American Heritage Art “Colonial Art”

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We all know that throughout the centuries, art has played an important role in our culture.  We watched art evolve throughout the years, from a simple rock carving or basic rock painting into realism within the Renaissance era.  Despite the fact that each era has its own technique and goals it is trying to apply, everywhere around the world had its own unique style.

For instance, the colonists that formed the original 13 colonies came from England mostly.  Despite the fact it’s where the Renaissance took place, they had their own style as well.  Mostly known as Early American, or as I like to call it, “Colonial art.”

When you see these pictures, it is easy to tell they are early American.  For instance, most of the pictures you will find are simple in nature.  They depict scenes from the town as it looked back then, but on a 2D (two dimensional) style.  They didn’t use many color tones, and the colors were not vivid like an Elizabethan era painting.  Sometimes the portraits would resemble that of a modernism expression, but generally they stuck to a 2D perspective.

Despite the techniques, the 2D perspective and the lack of highlights and shadows, these paintings are our history.  They tell us the tales of our country’s beginning.  They show us how simple life was, but how strict it had to be to ensure proper etiquette and social status, and for the longevity of their loved ones.  These photos depict how people dressed, what people found important, which far differs from today.  Without these pictures we would have lost the documentation of our relatives (since there were no cameras in the late 1700’s to mid 1800’s), we would have lost our history; these paintings are some of the only ways we can see what life was like.  Sure the pen and paper still exist from back then and we have records, but those records fade and can become unreadable.

I hope people take the time to really study and enjoy these works of art.  Look into them deeply and you will see the past take shape like it was a movie.  These simple portraits and paintings will take you back to a time where life was short, work was hard and people were measured in wealth by their plates and furniture, not cars and the size of their homes.  It will take you back to a time where people fought for the country, bled red, white and blue and loved the freedoms we have bestowed on us today because of them.  These paintings speak mountains of information and are there to speak only if you are there to listen.

Each one of these photos are hanging at the Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford, Connecticut.  They are originals that date from 1776 to 1850, and are local Connecticut residents from New England’s past.  These photos do have some glare but that is because of the lights they have on them and they were taken with my cell phone.  Look them over, study them, see the expressions and the clothing.  Look how they stand and sit because it tells a great tale of American past that has shaped our future.

Markus Aurailieus - Urban Beat

What do you find inspires you as an artist?
Everything. I really mean that. A better question would probably be what doesn’t inspire me. This is the most exciting time to be alive, and my eyes are wide open. Just take a look around, instantly you are bombarded by imagery, emotion, a story, a life. Short answer, everything from: a classic car, a rundown building, to a beautiful women passing you by on your way to the local store. Just everything.

What mediums do you work in?

Mostly acrylics but I also do a lot of charcoal drawings, and oil pastels. For bigger things I use spray paint.

Your work tends to how a more modern and urban style, is this from your upbringing and your past, or is it just something of interest?

Well I was born in a pretty urban place in New Jersey, though I spent most of my life here in St. Petersburg, FL. I’m not sure exactly where that comes from, but as far as I can remember I loved it. I seek out places with a lot of big buildings to feel closer to home.

How long have you been doing art, any formal training?

I’ve been doing art since I was old enough to hold a pencil. When I was two, I drew all over the walls in our house. In elementary school I got into my first fist fight after one of the bullies crumbled up one of my drawings trying to pick on me, and in high school I spent countless hours drawing while serving out in school suspensions. I became serious about art the first time one of my paintings were burned; I became relentless about it after the first time I had a body of work stolen. My training came about from hours upon hours toiling in the darkness forging my own path my own style while at the same time trying to conquer the technical aspect. I also took many art classes in high school they had to create a few new ones just for me .

Tell me about some shows you have done, what reactions did you get.

I’ve done countless amounts of art shows over the last two years, I can’t even remember how many. One of the most notable one, was the “What is Art” art show at Nova 535; simply because Mike Novella understood something special about putting on an art show. You had to make an event of it. There was a valet parking, and red carpet photographers, people dancing from ribbons suspended from the ceiling, belly dancers, and Ms. Ivanka Ska’s completely ill fashion show. They even had a staff of people whose sole purpose of being there was to sell art from the featured artist. And as far as reaction is concerned, it’s mostly a mixed bag, I get some really good feedback and some negative feedback as well.

In this economy what is your best advantage to marketing your work?

As an artist I can really see no difference with this crazy economic plunge that’s been happening lately, mainly because it was hard to sell paintings before it happened, and it’s still  just as hard now. People have to literally fall in love with a painting before they spend money on it, and that’s a great thing. My best marketing strategy , for dealing with this economy, is this; I do whatever I can, within reason, to make sure that if someone wants one of my paintings, they get it.  Due to the economy, I’ve recently decided to drop my prices, making every painting a hundred dollars or less until the economy recovers.

What is your goal as an artist?

To inspire, to inspire others to inspire, to impact people, to make them stop in this crazy rat race we’re living and stare in awe, and to think and feel. To contribute to acts of creation for every one act of destruction. It’s my way of standing on a summit and screaming I was here, I lived, I existed, I loved, I am an artist.

You use vivid colors, to some artist color choice is an expression. Is this the case with you and if so, what are you expressing.

Music sounds better when the volume is turned up so loud the bass shakes your lungs right out of your chest, right?  Using vivid colors is my way of turning up the volume.

How can people reach you to purchase your work, or have custom art done by you.

People can reach me through a good number of ways. First there’s email, Aurailieus@gmail.com. Then you could friend me on mysace at www.myspace.com/daburgsillestemceee, or my cell at 727-520-3925.

Isaiah Perkins- Designer For Every Problem

He hails from Cleveland, Ohio, but moved to Tampa to start his career as an artist just a few years ago.  A man of many talents, an artist of various mediums, Isaiah has the answers to the many artistic challenges out there. 

Isaiah Perkins is a connoisseur of art who loves fashion and putting on fashion shows. Isaiah also loves canvas art and graphic design.  As the world leans more towards technology every day, graphic design using a computer has become a new trend in art, that requires a tremendous amount of talent.

Graphic artists’ accomplishments are seen almost everywhere you look; in advertisements or graphics on your television and web sites. People seem to overlook how important the role of graphic art is to our businesses.  Isaiah’s graphic art is simply stunning. He’s extremely talented in the graphic arts and is set to go far.  Isaiah’s work reflects his passion for design and art.

Being in drafting myself, I know how difficult it is to do art on a computer, it’s time consuming and very meticulous. It takes a tremendous amount of talent to achieve the level Isaiah’s at, not to mention coming up with a unique design that stands out and says “Hey check me out, I’m here, I’m for sale.”   That’s why I love his quote Isaiah has in his biography ” I don’t look at myself as just a graphic designer, I see myself as a designer for every problem.”

As an artist, Isaiah is inspired by bad design, his friends in the art industry and great fashion designers.  His goal is to finish art school and earn his graphic degree, then move on to graduate school.  Even with his education and inspiration, Isaiah measures his success by how happy he is.

Today, Isaiah’s work has been seen in places around Tampa and Ybor such as: The Ybor Cigar Theater, Crowbar, and the Ritz Theater. He is always looking for commissioned work and places to have his art displayed.

You can contact Isaiah Perkins for custom work, or for possible show inclusions at: 813.410.5549. You can also reach him by email at P17Red@aol.com. For his online store you can go to store.ustrendy.com/zay. For his online portfolio of my graphic design work you can visit www.coroflot.com/Isaiah9385.

Michele Palenik - Walking On Broken Glass

Michele Palenik is not only a fantastic jeweler and fuse glass artist in the Tampa Bay area,  she is also a leader and inspiration to artists everywhere. Michele throughout the years has found ways to survive in this art stricken community, in economically troubled times like: finding innovative ways to promote her self, coming up with innovative and unique art ideas, and most importantly she believes in herself and what she does for a living.

She successfully runs Purple Cloud Studios in Land O Lakes, Florida, where she works in fused glass and jewelry.  She has a history of working with precious metals in her past, but has turned her attention to glass and jewelry which she loves the most. Her pieces of work have been found in art shows across the Tampa Bay area, and most recently she turned broken bottles, found in the wreck of the Odyssey, into a wearable piece of history.  Her line stems from beautifully colored bowls and plate-ware that are food safe, to decorations you can hang on the wall with her fused glass; and jewelry you can wear for any occasion. 

Some of her new collections and ideas include the ”Used and Abused,” which is inspired by the benefits and turmoil friendships and love go through, these hearts are battered and out of shape but still strong. Each heart repesents the good times and bad times each lover or friend goes through, as a unique symbol that love will survive the test of time and the memories are still there.  Michele also has in her collection, Grave Stone Ornaments that can be custom designed to decorate your loved ones memorial; as well as her one of a kind Odyssey collection where you can wear a piece of Civil War sunken ship history.

Michele is much more than just an artist, she is a motivator and sees every blank wall as an opportunity for an artist.  She has throughout the years, unselfishly dedicated her time to helping other artists survive, helping the art community in the Tampa Bay area and surrounding areas, and has stood up for art in our communities and schools, such as doing teach-ins at local elementary schools.  Not only is her work beautiful but her heart is too!

You can find Michele by going to www.purplecloudstudio.comand checking out her work.  There she has some of her newest ideas and bios of this incredible woman, as well as a store to purchase her work.  Michele also does custom work so contact her if you want that something special art that she does best.

DON’T MISS HER SPECIAL PODCAST WHERE SHE GIVES SOME OF THIS GREAT ADVICE TO ARTISTS, HER ADVICE CAN ALSO BE USEFUL TO ANYONE THAT WANTS TO LISTEN… ITS IN OUR PODCAST SECTION.  DON’T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PODCAST ON ITUNES AND IT WILL AUTOMATICALLY DOWNLOAD.

Gambrielle - Art That Leaps Hurdles

Gambrielle of Gam Art Inc., stretches the boundaries of everyday life and art to the extreme. Gam is a devoted mother and wife, who is passionate about her work. Someone who, despite  all the hurdles in her life, has achieved greatness and it reflects in her work. Nothing will keep her from her passion, Art. Gambrielle is the kind of woman who exemplifies what we need in todays art world. I could write a story about her struggles, her successes and her passion but I can’t do it quite like her, so I decided this story is best, if Gam tells you herself.  Her words and thoughts are as intense as her work.

What inspires you in your art?

The first would be pain, I’ve had quite the obstacles to overcome to get to where I am now. I wasn’t always admired or respected as I am today, those are things you have to make happen yourself… there are far too many obstacles to list them all so I will mention the ones that have had the most impact on me and my ways of being.

Growing up I was very poor, often teased, and socially awkward. I wasn’t the prettiest one in class and an allergic reaction to a medication I was given caused me to gain alot of weight (which took me years to lose) in a short matter of time; therefore, I was bound to get teased for that. Socially I always felt ahead of the children/students around me; my mind races with billions of thoughts every second. I’ve been lucky enough to breathe, making me unlike the others. When I was young I was tested and found to have an I.Q. of 168, I have been drawing and painting since the age of two, I’ve always gravitated to the things that others didn’t.

Pain will do many things to one’s self, and all that person may or may not stand for… but pain isn’t always something to frown upon. I don’t believe anyone can understand the kind of pain I went through to bring forth my precious son, that is one journey that needs a book itself in order to understand the entire story; yet after all the pain my body had endured I can honestly say I’d do it all over again if it meant my child would be safe and intact. I have 8 herniated discs, and a spinal disease, along with over active thyroid disease. I am in agony all the time and I’m physically exhausted.  

My son, aside from my husband, has truly become my every reason to be.  They are my reason to go forth and never end the war between myself and the pain I deal with every moment I’m alive, thus making them the fire, that burning passion, that makes me who I am and keeps me creating. So in a nutshell I suppose there are many things that can inspire one into art; everyone has their own reasons and story but those were some key matters in my life that inspire me.

What does art mean to you? What impact do you see it has on our world?

In a sense everything is art, so art in a sense means everything. It all had to come from somewhere, whether it be a building, painting, animal, food, etc. All has been delicately molded into something, something we bring meaning into and ultimately the meaning we all live and die for. Our world is a work of art in itself, something we can all look at and apply our own views onto; yet it is only through a clear and unbalanced mind that we can fully see the things I’m saying. Far too many people spend their entire lives trying to find a balance that they fail to see, that they are all living and dying without finding the reason why they exist; along with it’s purpose, making them unable to see the true impact art really does have on this world. The strange thing about art and painting is that it lasts forever so in a way it makes you immortal, …infinite.

What is your favorite painting and why?

My greatest work of art is my son, but since he doesnt consist of oil paints and consists of flesh and blood i suppose he isn’t in the running…but for my paintings, that’s a tough one. I love all of them for very different reasons but I’d have to say “Lavinia.” If you ever saw the movie Titus, there is a scene that touched my soul where Romulous and Reamus kidnapped Titus’s daughter, took her to a desolate place, stripped her down raped her. They cut off her hands, placed tree branch twigs where her hands once were, placed her on a tree stump surrounded by sharp thorn bushes barefoot, so she was stuck there and couldn’t get down; to make matters worse, they cut out her tongue to silence her from calling for help or saying their names. With no hands she couldnt write their names either. It was something about the helplessness along with the vulnerability that touched me enough to paint it. The manner in which she was left behind, to suffer and die. This whole act was done to her for something her father did, she was an innocent, she was beautiful; and they took everything from her. In my painting I made it so it looked like the sky was swallowing her whole, as in a way to take her away from her pain and the anger within the clouds evoked the emotions she was feeling….

Tell me about you, and the artist you want to be?

For starters, in my mind, one can only be called an artist when we expire, but as long as we breathe and bleed I’d say we are only painters and architects of thought. So the type of artist that I’d aspire to be is a dead one.

When all is said and done, you look back on your life, what do you want to say you accomplished? What do you absolutely not want to say you regret.

I’d like to leave a pretty nice dent in this world in one way or another, be it through my work or the things that I experienced. I regret nothing, why do something you’d regret in the long run? It’s both pointless and a waste of time, and time is something I do not like to waste.

What is your favorite medium, what mediums have you dabbled in as well?

Oils, they’re what I prefer the most over any medium, when I’m with my oils and brushes, I am home. Acrylics aren’t my thing but I’ve dabbled with them in the past. I’ve done air brushing, watercolors, charcoal, but like I said oils are my heart and home, in some odd way they truly complete me and my many thoughts.

Give me some feedback on how your art has touched others lives?

I sold my human condition painting to a soldier from Iraq. I really wasn’t interested in selling it, but when I saw how important it was for him to own it, and the connection that he felt he had with it, I knew I had to part with it.  I get emails very frequently from fans of my work that tell me I inspired them to paint and keep working.  They say after reading the story about my struggles and triumphs, if I let nothing stop me, then they have no excuse. Over the years I’ve become quite the role model and mentor, for girls and for quite a few as well. When I was a little girl I just enjoyed creating anything. I never knew that by people finding my work and in turn finding me, I’d be saving lives and inspired others to create as well. If my work just helped one person, I’m happy. I’m even more lucky that it has helped many….

Have you ever had your work shown in galleries, museums etc? If so which ones?

Quite a few local galleries, and solo exhibits even on a famous television show. I’ve also had my work published and printed in some pretty important places so that is pretty swell. My goal is the MET, Frick and the Louvre. Someday, someday.

What about art makes you happy the most?

The process, or all that is art, allows me to feel like there is a way and place for me to breathe; like I said earlier it’s home.

What do you learn from the past masters?

I’ve learned how to properly paint, from mixing paints, to the way I hold the brush, to the mental state I have to be in, in order to create. I’m completely self-taught in many ways, but most of the knowledge I gained is strictly from observation and independent studies.

Art is more than just creativity, it takes so much more…. What do you feel is the discipline in each picture you paint?

I believe that it truly comes from inside. It’s something you are born with;the discipline is giving birth to something that was only a picture in my mind at one point, a seed. To literally make it look alive the seed itself must bloom, something that that can only take place with proper care and attention down to the microscopic details. I’ve been told I have an extremely distinct style, that the eyes of my pieces follow you no matter where you go; they can see everything, including right through you.

When you paint a picture, describe the process from the birth of the idea to the finished product.

I’ll get an inspiration from the smallest thing or random idea and I’ll leave that thought in my head for months even years; sometimes I deal with it right away. Sometimes I sketch it, but most of the time I just freehand every thing on a blank canvas, or look at a small photo for reference. I have sat for up to 18 hours at a time with no breaks, and paint everyday for months on end, with a two haired brush and won’t stop until it’s perfect. My standards are pretty high for myself, I’ve been known to turpentine an entire canvas after months of work if I didn’t feel it was right. I take my work very seriously because it is an extension of me and all I have. When my work is complete I search for the perfect ornate frame and paint the frame to make my piece become one with the frame; because it is important in my mind for the frame not only compliment the art, but to be part of the art itself.

Please check out Gambrielle’s work at her MySpace page www.myspace.com/gambrielle and tell her The Expressionist sent ya!

Loren Marks - New York State Of Mind

About a month or so ago, we got an e mail from a unique artist who said “I would love an article about me, do you think I would fit.”  When I looked at their work, I was amazed, I said yea this is something we can definately put in our magazine and right away set up an interview with her.  Loren’s work is bright and cheeful, they use all colors of the spectrum making for a very impressive piece of art.  Her paintings can be admired for their beauty and they also tell a story.  From what I see from her work it wonderfully defines her life in New York City, if you want to know what New York life is like, check out Loren’s work!

Describe yourself as an artist.

An excerpt from my Statement best describes:

Making art can lead you to a balanced ecstasy and it can often leave you feeling cursed. I’ve driven myself close to the vibrations of madness with the desire for truth, gripping the idea tighter until I feel myself choking. I then (again) realize the secret. Move from the INSIDE OUT rather than the outside in. This simple yet challenging, ongoing process of recognizing truth is where authenticity is grounded. It’s where the highest choice is made, the only way to make art and…the best way to live.

This way has been carried into the theme of my work.

SACRED ART is the title to my continuing series of paintings and sculptures. They are visions, epiphanies, prayers and objects of ritual which are intended to serve as tools to guide us to the freedom of instinct (the ultimate survival tool). Instinct is too often ignore and this, I believe, breeds sickness on all levels, be it mental, spiritual or physical. No matter who we are, where we come from or whether we realize it or not, we humans inherently desire the same things: to be awake - aware- whole.

What does art mean to you?  How important is it in today’s society?

In it’s depths - a necessary examination of self deception. Art shakes things up - makes us reflect - connects us to each other. We will always need that. Every generation of artists has this task to perform. However in this time in history, I think it’s imperative we connect to ourselves and each other even more.

What has been your hardest hurdle to overcome with your art?

Myself and balancing time between producing desired amount of work and doing the Life thing (bills, rent, chores, family/friends keeping the boyfriend happy etc..).
 
As an artist, sometimes they are diverse in mediums… What is your preferred medium and are there any other mediums you dabble in?

I always work in oils but I like to build things too. I’ve recently been getting more interested in combining the two along the theme of ritualistic tools and doing a series of dioramas. I really like dioramas.

What inspires you when you make a new painting?

It’s usually different ‘medicines’ that help me through something I’m dealing with at the time. Things that keep me going. They can vary anywhere from dreams, authors, animals and plants to death and deja vue’s. Charles Bukowski is one who seems to keep popping up with no sign of stopping.

What is your goal with your work?

My desire is to bust open lies, sanction the holy forgotten, bring the balance between dark and light and to go perhaps beyond there. By combining universal symbols that go with the grain of instinct, I aim to bring an objective view of ourselves and our world. In sharing my personal journey with the viewer, I hope to spark their desire to honor the self. We must give birth to the highest choice. This is when we are truly awake and can live our lives to the fullest. This idea is my wish and driving force.

Do you have any formal training in art, or was it something you just picked up?

I studied painting at Parsons School of Design in NYC for a short while until my money ran out - then continued to explore on my own.
 
What’s your greatest achievement in your art career?

See question #3! It’s amazing to see people stand in front of my work for a long time. Sometimes someone is confused at what they’re looking at but something holds them there…they want to figure it out. Some react intensely. I’ve seen people cry and even angry! It’s a trip to watch the different reactions.

Whats more important in your art, color or subject matter and why?

Both are equally important. Color and images are specifically chosen to convey meaning of artwork. Everything is symbolic. One won’t work to it’s capacity without the other.
 
Do you do any custom work for people?

Yes, I am available for commissions.
 
Do you have work on display at any museums or shows?  If so please let us know where.

My latest work will be showing in METROPOLIS APOCALYPSE at Supreme Trading in Williamsburg, Brooklyn October 9th - October 30th 2008
(see flyer)
 
How can our readers find you or contact you if they want.

While my personal website is being revamped my work can be viewed at:

http://www.myspace.com/lorenmarks
and
http://www.myartspace.com

Dr. Seuss Imaginarium Gallery

When you think of Dr. Seuss you are instantly reminded of those wonderfully rhymed children’s books that utilize words which don’t exist in modern day life.  You can picture that lovable “Cat In The Hat”, and the timeless Christmas cartoon, “How The Grinch Stole Christmas.”  These are drawings and stories we grew up with since the 1950s and they define generations of American youth.  Dr. Seuss is American as the American flag, and represents this country as a positive influence on children from toddler to the elementary years.

In St. Augustine, Florida, Cutter and Cutter, opened a gallery dedicated to the timeless Dr. Seuss called “Dr. Seuss The Imaginarium Gallery.” Inside, the walls are decked with many of his great creations from the “Cat In The Hat, Horton Hears A Who, The Grinch That Stole Christmas.” and many other great characters.  You will see some in storyboard form and you will see some paintings of the characters as if they posed for their portrait.  In some cases you will even see the beginning sketches of those great characters.  It’s a child’s paradise, and a reminiscing ground for the adults who remember those stories growing up.

What you may not know is that Dr. Seuss had his own set of prints and paintings he created for his own private use.  Some of them contain these great characters, but you will notice that most of them are a bit more grown up in nature, and depict a more risque or sexually contented meaning.  Some of us who browse the pictures may not get the hidden meaning, but those who sit and study it, will be shocked that this clean, child based author and cartoonist had a sexual side none of us knew about.  Dr. Seuss had one painting in particular that depicts what I am saying very well, which is ”Spawning Salmon up the Brook.”  

The picture depicts thousands of amoeba looking particles with round heads and small pointy tails, like a drop of water would look, swimming up this canal.  Obviously salmon don’t go up canals, they travel up brooks in smaller streams.  Salmon are fish, but these look more like the male side of the fruits of love.  Salmon do travel in groups, but not groups of thousands. Both male sperm and salmon they travel up stream, the sperms mission is to fertilize the egg; in the salmons case, to mate.  This picture is brilliantly done, but the hidden meaning inside is almost as bold as the “I buried Paul” subliminal message embeded in the Beetles, “Strawberry Fields Forever” song.

I was highly impressed not only how the gallery presented his work, but the fact that I could see these original pieces by an artist I have adored since childhood in front of my very eyes.  I also love the fact I can purchase his work, and I learned something about the man behind the cat, that I never knew.

Photography Tips - Soft Focus

Here is a handy little tool that can enhance the ambiance of your picture, but it must be done correctly or it can destroy your photo.  Knowing how and when to use this particular filter is important for any photographer.

Uses

• Softens age lines
• Adds an intimate effect to portraits or pictures
• Can be used to add effects to a photo

What Does It Do

We know the uses, but what does it do?  A soft focus filter takes the edges of a properly focused subject and softens the photo, including edges which can reduce the harsh age lines, skin blemishes etc.  To sum it up, it slightly blurs the picture.  When a soft focus picture is done correctly, it will look soft and intimate, when the picture was poorly executed it will look completely out of place and/or blurry.

Good Scenarios To Use Soft Focus

• Weddings (Formals)
• Engagement Photos
• Maternity Photos
• Some portraits
• Seasoned individuals
• Kids/adults with bad skin imperfections (Does not mask acne)

When you decide to do a soft focus filter, I suggest taking 2 pictures; one with and one without the filter so the client will be happy either way.  Some people don’t like the soft effect and if there are no other options you can lose a sale over it.  Some people on the other hand won’t take a photo without the filter.  Also, make sure that the filter will fit the situation.  If you use the photo for something like automobile photography, or something more intense it will look out of place and unprofessional.  As a professional photographer, know when to use it and don’t let the client dictate it for you.  If there is no compromise, do what I said and take 2 pictures 1 with and 1 without.

In my experience, I found the best way to use the soft focus filter is to

1. Place your camera firm on a tripod
2. Get your angles and settings correct
3. Focus your subject
4. Add the filter right before shooting the subject (to ensure the photo is properly focused)
5. Take the photo.

If you don’t focus the subject correctly the picture will be very blurry and unattractive.  Once the filter is on the camera, it’s very hard to focus correctly manually or automatically because it does slightly distort the photo.  By focusing the subject first, you eliminate the hassle of looking through a semi-blurry piece of glass to focus properly.  I suggest a tripod for these shots because any slight movement will only make the effect greater, its gonna be soft, you don’t want it worse with movement.

John Clark- His Art Tells A Story

Sometimes I surf the Internet looking for some great works of art that catch my eye.  One afternoon I happened upon an Etsy storefront selling these beautifully drawn women, in black and white ink, laid over old books.  I thought how interesting and fresh, I knew right then and there that John Clark would be worth interviewing for this magazine.  His work shows that art can be anything that inspires you, there are no limits to this vast field of expressionism. 

I love your work, its so unique with your paper.  What made you decide to use books and the print type?  How did that all come about?

I was reading an old mystery novel one day and became really inspired by the wording and imagery.  I started doodling directly on the page, trying to discover a style that would properly convey the drama and
feeling of noir.  I dabbled with heavy cross hatch, then a bit of stipple but settled on something resembling stencil graffiti. Actually, people often ask if I use stencils in my work,  I don’t.  I focus on creating high contrast and try to avoid unnecessary line work.  My work is drawn on pages from books printed in the 20s, the old paper soaks up the ink just right.

I see mostly women in your collection, do you draw men too?  What inspires you to draw women.

I’ve drawn men for custom requests but I’ll never draw one for fun.  I try to create art that is both aesthetically pleasing and compelling and I just find the subject of strong, assured, and certainly deadly
women to be my favorite.

When did you learn to draw?  Did you ever take formal lessons?

I’ve drawn pretty obsessively since I can remember.  When I was little I drew with my parents nearly every day and they’ve always been supportive.   I’ve taken a few classes at a local art institute when I was younger and had one inspirational art teacher in high school.

What artists, cartoonists, etc….. inspired you as an artist to draw if any?

Comic books where my biggest inspiration for a long time.  Still the idea of conveying a story with art remains in my work.  I think the only comic artist that still directly influences my work now is Frank
Miller.

Do you have any of your pictures on display anywhere but Etsy?

There’s a few random boutiques and galleries that stock my prints but my main distribution channel is Etsy.

What is your favorite piece and why?  What makes it so special to you?

It changes every couple of weeks but the piece “Spare me,”http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14281729 pretty much nails it for me.  The look, the lighting and feeling of it fit just right for me.  She’s on her way out the door and  nothing you say will stop that.

It’s always nice to hear that I’ve surprised someone with my work, that it’s nothing like anything they’ve ever seen before.   Other people see my work and are unimpressed.  I’m okay with either
reaction.  Art is completely subjective and I firmly believe in the saying, different strokes for different folks.  I just love that at least some people dig it.

When you draw, what do you think about?

My attention span is admittedly low so I am often multi-tasking.  At the very least I’ll be focused on music I’m listening to or even watching a movie while I draw.

Define your view of an artist, referencing yourself, what do you want people to get from your work?

I hope the viewer can find both beauty and intrigue in my work.  I want to convey part of the story but leave the rest to interpretation.

Any advice you can lend to other artists?

Stay true to creating what you love, ignore trends and focus on what makes you happy.

Frederick Hart - A Statue In Time

This month I was in St.Augustine, Florida on a small hiatus from the daily grind; enjoying what the east coast of Florida has to offer.  Intrigued with their appreciation of preserving the past, the city takes me back into a victorian period of time that I just adore.  I love St. Augustine because of the nostagla it provides to this modern dweller, but I also love it because its a gathering place for some great art and artist from around the country and native Floridians.

Walking down St. George Street, I dead ended into a center of town filled with churches, monuments and art galleries!  It was there I patrionized the Brilliance In Color Art Gallery.  The gallery was full of amazing artists, most of them prefered the oil medium, but there was one man’s work that stuck out and caught my eye like seeing a diamond in the rough, that man was Frederick Hart. 

His work stands out because he doesn’t just sculpt, he carves a story, and what he does he does to perfection.  When you see his work, the detail and realism are so intense that it not only captures your eye, but your soul.  When it captures your soul, you know the piece is done right.  Frederick Hart sculpts in all sculpting materials, like bronze and marble, but it’s his acrylic that takes my breath away. Don’t get me wrong each piece of his is spectacular, but I’m in love with his acrylics.

Most of his acrylic work features women, free flowing and full of life with no restrictions.  He captures the beauty and essence of a woman that anyone, man or woman, can relate to.  Each piece has its own individuality, and tells its own story.  Hart’s acrylics tend to favor a matte and glossy finish to each piece giving it a feel you can’t get with other sculpting materials. Sometimes the pieces are a solid block of acrylic with the woman chizled out of an end like a ship mast, and sometimes he amazes me by having the 3D woman encased with glossy acrylic.  I don’t know how he does it, but I know I could look at and admire his work for hours.  I swear you will see something new each time you look at the piece that you’ve seen over and over, rediscovering his brillance.

In addition to Hart’s Acrylic Collection, he also has a Bronze Sculputre and Marble Structure collection, as well as the Washington National Cathedral Collection that contain a figure Ex Nihilo, which is portrayed as both man and woman; as well as Adam a strong virial man.

Hart’s love for art shows not only in his work, but in his words.  I got this paragraph directly from his biography, and to me it sums up the artist in so many ways, I quote “I believe that art has a moral responsibility, that it must pursue something higher than itself. Art must be a part of life. It must exist in the domain of the common man. It must be an enriching, ennobling and vital partner in the public pursuit of civilization. it should be a majestic presence in everyday life just as it was in the past.”  - Frederick Hart

I would love to have an interview with Frederick, but unfortunately he passed away from this life in 1999.  His memory will live on within his work and his story will never be censored as long as his pieces survive. 

You can see Hart’s collection in person at the following locations:

Brilliance In Color, Fine Art Gallery
25 King Street
St. Augustine, FL 32084
(904) 810-0460
http://www.lovesemporium.com/catalog.php?cid=50
www.frederickhart.com

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