create art
paint
when you have no paint
sculpt
when you have no money to buy stone
build things out of trash
when the trash is gone
make shadow puppets with your hands
and when they take your hands
draw circles in the dirt with your toes
and when your toes are gone...
sing
brian statom
Hey there!
John Essmaker asked a question about eyes tonight, and it inspired me to create a few photos that I hope will help you create "emotion" in the human eye!
When I first did my portrait of Audrey Hepburn for my daughter (btw... daughter asked me to do this for her which explains why it has a "pink" color theme!), I was able to complete the majority of the piece in about 10 hours. I thought, well... this is going SPLENDID and I should have it done shortly!
And then it came time to render the eyes. I must have spent a MINIMUM of another 10 hours on the eyes alone. You may have heard people say that the human hand is the most difficult thing to render? I disagree... I believe that capturing and rendering emotion in the human eye is FAR more difficult!
Also, I'm always blown away by how extremely subtle changes affects emotion radically!
Basically, the eyes are a watery, semi-transluscent, glassy orb... surrounded by muscle and fatty tissue.
Okay so what?!?!? What am I getting at?
I'm glad you asked Scooter... 'cause here we go!
Here is a photo of the origianal painting, followed by a close-up of the eyes;
Close up (unretouched, but I had to rephotograph the painting to capture the detail);
Notice the wetness which causes reflections in the eye? This is commonly known as the "sparkle". In addition, the iris of the eye allows light in but is reflected back, which gives this portion of the eye a deepness, yet not complete depth as in the pupil. The pupil is where the clear lens is and light rarely is reflected back out of the eye at this point, so this is where the "deepness" of an eye is noticed.
Now, if we show just a LITTLE more white around the eyes... notice how the eyes suddenly look surprized, or anxious, or fearful (in the next few examples, I have used photoshop to alter the original and in this next photo I have not changed the size of the eyes at all... just added more white!);
Okay, now it starts getting REALLY interesting. In contrast to the eyes above, I will close up the eyelids a bit, and Audrey becomes tired, or melancholy (I will update this one soon, because adding bags under the eyes also indicates tiredness (stay tuned!!);
And if I turn the corners down a bit and add highlights where the water of tears is gathering on the bottom eyelid, we get a tearful eye. Of course the eye is much more wet... right? So I have added even more highlights on the surface of the eye in general;
Ain't that FUN?!?!
Oils make this EXTREMELY easy. You can push the paint around until you get it EXACTLY where you want it (but I'll warn you... IT IS EXTREMELY TIME CONSUMING!).
Now, if you are working with watercolor, you don't have the option to add highlights, unless you add an opaque white paint... which will make your painting appear "fake". If you want to create realistic eyes, you must "scrub out" where you want the highlights. It is MUCH harder to gain control, so it's not for the faint of heart. You can only "scrub" just so far... or you'll drive RIGHT THROUGH the paper (which I've done by the way!!).
Here is my portrait of Georgia O'Keffee followed by a close up of the eyes;
Now the close up;
There are still highlights, but it's much more difficult to make them work. If you notice the eye on the right... there's a highlight just to the right of the iris along the bottom of the eyelid, and on the white of the eye as well. I did this with an Exacto knife! After the paint was put on... scratch out the white paper underneath!. Also, you might notice that I really focused on creating the "Semi-Transluscent" aspect of the Iris in this painting. This gave a warmth and thoughful gaze to her eyes.
So... it's really all about light, the absence of light, and how the muscles function with different emotions. Here's the weird thing... once you start to notice this stuff? Well... you'll NEVER view the world the same way again. You'll start seeing the world in a completely different "light" (forgive the pun).
One last thing, the human face has an incredible amount of muscles behind it and is capable of MANY contortions. Isn't it amazing though that the eyes alone can tell us SO much about how a person is feeling?
Here's a short example and one last pic of Audrey's lips;
If Eyes are the hardest thing to render... lips are a VERY close second. Notice the VERY subtle lighting around the bottom corners of her lips? This is the ONLY thing that will indicate a slight smile (think Mona Lisa here). During the painting process of this painting I had a REAL problem with her expression as it was very "cold" and I couldn't figure out why. I finally figured out that there was just a hint of light at each corner of the mouth.
Also, do you want to paint juicy, luscious lips? It's all about the highlights baby!
So there ya have it. I hope this has been helpful, and if you should have any questions... ya know where to find me!!
All the best
Your cyberbud...
Craigo
I would do anything
to get away
run and hide
be happy and at peace
But the knowing comes
It is within
There is no place to go
Nothing I can do
to bring you back
to have you beside me again
Loving me for all that I was
All that I wasn’t
All that I hoped to be
Your face is everywhere I look
And everything has a memory of you
Sleep doesn’t take away the pain
It lives in my dreams
And I wake again to the void
Of a life without you
One night, an old spider sat on a blade of grass. Dew had begun to gather around him as he gazed up at the moon. His life had been long and full. He had seen many placed and had many friends, but the old spider was ready for a change.
The air was cool and quiet. No one else was around, so the spider started spinning a web. It took most of the night, but some time before morning, the old spider had spun his web to the moon...and he was gone.
The next morning, the field where the old spider lived was bathed in sunlight. The dew had begun to disappear and the other animals were waking to the new day.
A ladybug crawled from beneath the fallen leaf and stretched. "Such a beautiful day" she thought, "I'll go visit Mr. Spider. He always knows fun things to do."
The little ladybug went to Spider's web, but he wasn't there. She thought about the old tire where Spider took his afternoon naps. But when she got there, no Spider.
Spider wasn't at the old well, either. Finally, she went to the barn. "I know he has to be there," she said out loud. No Spider. The little ladybug sat down and began to cry.
"What is the matter, little one?" a voice said from the shadows. It was the Queen Ant. She was one of Spider's oldest friends. "I've looked all over and I can't find Mr. Spider anywhere." The little ladybug was very upset. The Queen Ant knew where Spider was.
"He is no longer with us. His time on Earth is over." The Queen Ant explained. "I'm afraid he will not be coming back." "But I will miss spending time with him" cried the ladybug. "I know you will. Mr. Spider loved you very much. And as long as you have your memories of him, he will always be with you".
The little ladybug thought about the Queen Ant's words. She had many fond memories of the time she had spent with Mr. Spider and she knew she would never forget him.
That night, a little ladybug sat on a blade of grass. Dew had begun to gather around her as she gazed up at the moon. She thought about her life with Spider and all the happy times they had shared. Her memories were so vivid that for a moment she thought she saw something on the moon...no, that couldn't be.
THE END
Okay, say something nice about one person? (can't be done with only one, so I'll throw a few out that come quick to mind). Misty is a friend who I feel a very warm love for, rather like the sister I never had. Her concern and love for me are real, and break many of the preconceptions I had about an "electronic' community. How love could possibly be present in "E" form is real and genuine with this wonderful lady. Susan Duda has been my champion and her encouragement has gone far beyond the call of duty. Stuart is me bud, and fellow carnivore. An icon amoung men and one of the most talented folks I've met in a long time!! GiGi... never fails to make me laugh! And she has the greatest taste in shoes! Clwulfers is a very nice lady who cares for her grandchildren in a very difficult situation John Essmaker was my first friend here at Ovation, and that relationship continues to grow. Ent is one of the most amazing photographers I have ever met. I regret to say, previous to seeing the work on Ent and Stuart, I had never thought of photographers as artists. Ent and Stuart changed this unfortunate prejudice of mine, as thier work hits me on an emotional level that many "Painters" can't ever achieve. Mike Street is a visionary painter and has become a good friend outside the community. I believe he will be me bud for a very long time. Rah Steele and JJ (or whatever other name they will call themselves this week) have been very kind in sharing thier concern and love for me... during the times when they're not doubting my honesty, integrity and freindship. I wish they could just accept who I am, and give me the benefit of the doubt if and when doubts arise. Phyllis is a sweet lady who is struggling and has struggled though many painful trials, yet gives nothing but uplifting wonderful love to me whenever she contacts me. I wish I could be more like her. EctoDesmo and I got off to a rough start, yet his deep thoughtful work; both written, drawn or painted makes a person think and I have come to admire this about him. It's a very important thing for us in the world today to not get too comfortable in what we take for granted, as it's easy to not face realities. Ecto does it in a manner that is sometimes shocking and takes us out of our comfort range, but I think that sometimes we need to be shocked by reality a little bit. Animix is me bud. His enthusiasm and good cheer make me wish I could hang with him. He's one of my favorites for sure! Conceptus is a talent beyond talents, and his comments make me smile and encouraged! Barbara has always been there for me, and I know she'll always be there for me in the future. She is a wonderful sister in Christ. Nappy is my brother, friend and mentor. Thank you Nappy for your encouragement! Riff, is the first guy I met outside the community, and I count him as a friend. I know he is someone I could call in a minute, and he'd help me anyway he could. He's jus that kind of guy! Aquarius is so sweet in her comments and constant encouragement. What a gem she is! Wanmars I had the opportunity to chat with this weekend, and she is a highly talented person who is also going through trials and difficulties. I'm praying for you my sister!! Funky Iron is a full on pervert of the best kind. He makes me laugh, and I love his "fossilized" sculptures. Dude... where ya been lately?!?! Artmeone I'm just getting to know, but I already appreciate his humor and talent. I dig this guy's art! JEyers is probably my favorite artist in this community because he and I seem to share a common vision in our art. It's not that I don't like other folks art here... just I "identify" with his work. Pines and Cedars is as everyone knows... a very talented dude. All you have to do is look at his work. Brian Statom is as warped as I am. How is this possible you may ask? Just remember the "hose" magic trick and I think you'll understand! Folkartanna is a sweet person with nothing but good feeling for others. Love ya Anna! Leaves is our community cheerleader and always has a kind word. Her artwork always makes me smile! Cheryl and I have gone at it from time to time, but the funny thing is that I think that she and I have the most in common here on the site as far as our artistic preferences. I don't hear from Paula Johnson as often as I'd like, but when I do it is always a heartfelt moment that I welcome. ArtToones, I'd love to be your friend. But wonder why you don't like me. I guess everyone can't be friends, but your work is enjoyable, and I wish you the best. Thomas John Taylor, I don't miss you too much... but you were certainly an ecclectic character. I don't know why you hated me so much, but I hope you are well where you are, and wish you the absolute best. If I had to say something nice about you I'd have to say that it has been nice not being attacked by you lately! And there are SO many others. I'm terribly sorry if I missed any of ya'll, but these are off of the top of my head. Tony Marq, Laselcart, Tljibeaux, Diver5115, Ariannas, lgramlich, crenshawa, culsumus, sparda and many of my other friends I regret I haven't had as much interaction with. I hope to change this, as your work is outstanding and feel at a loss that I don't know ya'll better! All in all, I love it here in the community. You guys are ALL an important part of my life. Your faithful cyberbuddy, Craigo
Today I held a butterfly
As it lit upon my hand
I tried to hold it tightly
but it fluttered away again
It made me sad to think
Such beauty would not stay
I tried to delight in the moment
As she quickly flew away
I thought about the instant
It turned from worm to wings
And wondered at what point
She assumed it was a dream
As she transformed again
Into something unique and wild
Her fragile beauty lasted
For only a fleeting while
Eyes on wings glint back and forth
as if she were a child
Tomorrow I’ll be a soul, a cloud
A changeling, an old and wrinkled smile
My story "Spin A Web To The Moon" was used in an elementary school class today. The children read the story, did worksheets on their favorite parts, made puppets and re enacted it, then wrote letters to the author...me. What a cool experience. If you haven't read it and would like to, it's in my blog section under the title "Spin A Web To The Moon".
So, my daughter walks up behind me while I'm working and starts asking me about the art I'm working on. I am pretty focused and don't like to be inturupted, so she caught me a bit off guard. Anyway, I proceeded to tell her about what I was working on, and much to my chagrin, she FILMED the whole thing and showed it to her friends!!!! Now here comes the weirdest part... for some reason when she shows her friends the clip, they break out in complete uncontrollable laughter!!! I just don't know what's wrong with the kids of today. Don't they enjoy art? Don't they enjoy music? I had on some DELIGHTFUL music at the time which always helps me when I create!!!
BTW, when I eat the paint... I uh, well... I was just deep in thought that's all. And no, I DON'T think I have brain damage!!! I mean, what's a little brain damage when we have so much brains? We gots a bunch of 'em. Uh huh yep... COCKADOODLEDOOOOOOO. Further more, would someone please remove that mauve antelope from my living room? I think it is laying candy corn on the rug! Whoooop whooooop. HEHEHE! Did you just hear something?!? I think that the Pillsbury doh boy is stealing my lower colon! Now why would he do that?!? WEEPWEEPWEEP. gavrebmemblecwatchiepoooo. keek bweek pitwangWOOF!
It is my opinion that collecting DATA from a group such as ours has Orwellian implications, We Artists take pride in our independence. History, tells that we do not react kindly to those whom would infringe upon it. We (Artists) were not asked to contribute the input of our opinions and questions to this nefarious exercise. Forethought in this regard would have been considered a courteous act. You demean us (Newbies & Hobbyist) the very people who make this site a success. If you fear ' "Artists Flight" you should cease and desist with hast. Thank you.
"Ovation TV My Art Member"
Stuart Harrison
Highly Recommended Reading
New research comes to the forefront in this age old debate about the level of sanity in the highly intelligent and highly creative class.
What's most interesting in this article, is the point that some pyschosis appears to be beneficial to abstract thinking and its argued here that without a degree of mental illness, some of the great artists and thinkers of our time would not have been able to contribute such indelible marks like the theory of relativity or Dalí's surrealism.
From the Independant.co.uk site... Creative Minds: The Links Between Mental Illness and Creativity
While this helps someone like me understand the creative mind, I can't help but feel that it limits sane artists to feeling they cannot possibly attain lofty goals or leave behind world changing creations...unless they can think like someone with mental illness or become mentally ill themselves. But then again, aren't we all a little crazy?
And then its also a little bit of the chicken and egg logic, did the artist/thinker start out ill or become ill as they were consumed in their persuit of theoretical ideas or art?
What say you artists and thinkers? :)
Ovation TV Staff, Megan Smith
4 Races of People, Red Black, Yellow and White. other Colors are represented in there sacred manner and meanings.
4 Directions--North, East South and West. Each direction has a meaning spiritually.
North=Red=Buffalo Nation, East=Yellow=Spotted Eagle, South=White=Owl, ancestors. West=Black=Mysteries, coyote,unknown...theses are my interpretations of these directions.
Medicine Wheel--again the 4 Directions, has the Creator and the Mother Earth included and other circles has spiritutal meanings such as Night and Day, the Medicines are all interconnected. in other cultures/tribes they have different meanings and symbols for there Nation.
The seven Virtues: Bravery, Generosty, Wisdom, Fortitude, Faith, Love, Respect. other people have there virtues set in there own ways.
Arrows: Represent the 4 directions, Truth, Direction, Faith, some tribes have the seven arrows for use in ceremonies.
Sacred Pipes, the main Pipe is called the White Buffalo Calf Pipe, other pipes are used in homes, in Public, and Ceremonies. theres your own personal pipe, there are also the 4 races of Pipes, different colors of pipe stone are represented.
Cross: every circle has a cross in it, like the medicine wheel, dream catchers, everyone bears there own cross, for there own reason. Why do you wear a Cross? What do you see when you look at the cross in different directions?
Stars: Big and Little Dipper, the Universe, telling you about the Winter count from the different directions, everyone believes there from the Star Nation.
Animals: each animal is open to interpretation, and meanings.
We all take for granted what creator provides for us, remember to pray, not only for yourself but for everyone, all races of people, makes no differenceas to Nation, color of skin. "We are all related"
LOOK LEARN UNDERSTAND AND GROW
Chief LeRoy standingCloud/Mah' piya Na' jin
I think Thomas Kinkade is a genius! I hear he paints with light!!!
I tried once to paint with a Laser, but it caught my canvas on fire. Sheeesh, I don't know how he does it?!?!?
Well, anyway... I think this is another way to "paint with light" (laden with lead). I just hope no one was home!! (unless it was Thomas... 'cause he could use a little excitement in his life!!!).
In no uncertain order, these are my favorite Ovation ladies. They are smart, witty, creative, and fun. (Note: I did have a difficult time in searching though the selection, some of my favorite ladies were missed because I couldn't find any recent works or remember you profile name. Another problem I had is a little more embarrassing, I just couldn't gender the profile name. If I miss one or two of you guys, (meaning you Barbara, and a couple of others,) please let me know so that I can update this list.)
Oh yeah, you new ladies should check out how these ladies work to make a difference on this site.
Guys, sorry no list for you. 
GiGi
http://community.ovationtv.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=4307708&as=16878
laselectart
http://community.ovationtv.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=2367105&as=16878&b=
misty1247
http://community.ovationtv.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=7654819&as=16878&b=
ariannas
http://community.ovationtv.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=2311138&as=16878&b=
janisjoplin47
http://community.ovationtv.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=4661535&as=16878
dharmaflame
http://community.ovationtv.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=4265657&as=16878&b=
Brinna
http://community.ovationtv.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=4358973&as=16878&b=
SusanDuda
http://community.ovationtv.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=8268689&as=16878&b=
lgramlich
http://community.ovationtv.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=4386785&as=16878&b=
Artsyworld
http://community.ovationtv.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=7163496&as=16878&b=
Almost a year ago now, I had a pretty high profile gig as a public speaker traveling the world talking and teaching about music and audio technologies. Wow... it seemed like EVERYONE was my friend. Then I found myself out of that job and I've become virtually forgotten by many of them. Isn't it funny how once there's nothing people can "get" from you, or use you for thier own advancement... the people you once knew as "Friends" stop returning phone calls. That sucks.
I've found in life, that we have VERY few real friends. We certainly go through life meeting countless aquintances, but when it gets down to it... the real friends are very limited, and EXTREMELY precious. As a gregarious person I thought I had MANY MANY friends, only to find out when the rubber met the road that they were only "aquaintances". My wife is certainly one of my true friends, thank GOD for that. However other than her I can name on one hand how many others I can count as REAL friends.
Since I've come to this community, I find it quite interesting that I've never met many of you face to face, yet can count some of you as "Real Friends". Why do I think this? Because you've expressed concern and reached out in love to me at various times, and more importantly... you want nothing from me.
Thank you for that.
What a strange world we live in when virtual strangers can become friends that we've never actually met.
Just thinking out loud...
Your "friend",
Craig
A Quick Lesson In Rendering Light
For my buddy Animix and others who might find it useful!
Animix’ Original Drawing Craigo’s “Craigofied” version
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Chiaroscuro (Italian for light-dark) is a term in art for a contrast between light and dark. The term is usually applied to bold contrasts affecting a whole composition, but is also more technically used by artists and art historians for the use of effects representing contrasts of light, not necessarily strong, to achieve a sense of volume in modeling three-dimensional objects such as the human body.
Further specialized uses of the term are "chiaroscuro woodcut", used for colored woodcuts printed with different blocks, each using a different colored ink, and "chiaroscuro drawing" used for drawings on colored paper with drawing in a dark medium and white highlighting. The term is now also used in describing similar effects in the lighting of cinema and photography.
Wow, pretty simply stuff, yet highly REVOLUTIONARY for it’s time! The concept is quite old and “skiagraphia” (it’s Greek to me!!) is generally attributed to have been discovered by the ancient, highly famous Greek painter Apollodorus.
When the artists of the early Renaissance re-discovered the concept that everything we see is essentially “Light” and the ABSENCE of light… art, film and animation would benefit from this discovery and is still used EVERYDAY in the modern world!
So what did I do to Animix’ drawing? I simply rendered an illusion of light so that the boy became more “3D”. Light and shadows give us important cues into our perception of an object’s depth and shape. Without these cues, an object can appear flat, and 2 dimensional.
It’s important to realize that light exists in many forms. The most common terms we use to describe the light we see are “Direct Light” (also referred to as “Primary Light”), “Secondary Light” and “Reflected Light”. While there are other lighting “subjects” that are really cool to talk about, unfortunately they’re beyond the scope of what I can write in this blog and will have to be left for another time.
Let’s talk about “Direct Light”. In the drawing below, the direct light source is the brightest source, which originates from the moon shinning through the window in the upper left corner.
The light of the moon is shinning on “Adrian’s bod”, the column and floor as you’ll see here in the following illustration. Incidentally, since the light originates from the moon, it is considered a “Cool” light and is normally depicted as “Bluish”. Fluorescent Light is another example of “Cool” light. Warm light (which we will discuss in a moment) is what we normally see generated from most incandescent lights, candles and flame;
And of course, there are shadows cast by this light as well;
Now let’s talk about the secondary light source. If you look at the illustration below, you’ll notice that there IS other light in the room. In this instance, Adrian’s right side has a soft “warm” glow. While secondary light can often be cool, I rendered the light here to represent a candle or the light cast from a fireplace;
Finally, let’s discuss “Reflected Light”. Reflected light is light coming from a reflected source.
You’ll notice in this picture from Greece, that there’s a small wall running down the center of the photo. While the light originates from the sun somewhere far off in the distance on the left, the backside of the wall is illuminated! Well dang, shouldn’t it be dark back there? Nope, the light is reflected off of the pavement and opposite wall. Furthermore, the blue-cast from the atmosphere is reflected back making this light appear blue! Isn’t that just too groovy?!?!?;
Here are some examples of reflected light in Animix’ Craigofied drawing;
Interestingly enough, moonlight IS reflected light as it is light from the sun reflected off of the moon’s surface. I just thought I’d throw that in because I KNOW SOMEONE would challenge me with that!! Thought you were gonna catch me, huh?
So, there you have it… the basics of Chiaroscuro, and how to use the illusion of light to give a 2 dimensional object a 3 dimensional look!
Unfortunately, there are numerous other topics we could discuss about the subject of light, but ya’ll just have to wait for my book about it later… hehehe, did I mention I’m writing a book? Yep… you saw it first here on Ovation!!!
Tomorrow I hope to show you how I used PhotoShop Elements to render the light in the examples here. I hope this stuff is useful for ya’ll! I’m enjoying the process!
Oh, and Animix? …put some clothes on Adrian for crying out loud!!!!
Your faithful cyberbuddy,
Craigo
"You"
Surreal to my soul
new life to my heart
effortless and ever so gentle
soft to my eyes
no thought
a flow free
natural, honest, pure
you are as every new breath
amazing in every way
all possibility
a soft gentle breeze
tenderly caressing my being ƸӜƷ
~Maiyaee
Jean-Michel Basquiat (Bio from Wikipedia)
"Believe it or not, I can actually draw."
Born December 22, 1960, Basquiat was an American artist. He gained popularity, first as a graffiti artist in New York City, and then as a successful 1980s-era Neo-expressionist artist.
Basquiat's mother was Puerto Rican and his father was of Haitian origin and a former Haitian Minister of the Interior. Because of his parents' nationalities, Basquiat was fluent in French, Spanish, and English and often read Symbolist poetry, mythology, history and medical texts, particularly Gray's Anatomy in those languages. At an early age, Basquiat displayed an aptitude for art and was encouraged by his mother to draw, paint, and to participate in other art-related activities. In 1977, when he was 17, Basquiat and his friend Al Diaz started spray-painting graffiti art on slum buildings in lower Manhattan, adding the infamous signature of "SAMO" or "SAMO shit" (i.e., "same ol' shit"). The graphics were pithy messages such as "Plush safe he think; SAMO" and "SAMO is an escape clause". In December 1978, the Village Voice published an article about the writings. The SAMO project ended with the epitaph SAMO IS DEAD written on the walls of SoHo buildings.
In 1978, Basquiat dropped out of high school and left home, a year before graduating. He moved into the city and lived with friends, surviving by selling T-shirts and postcards on the street, and working in the Unique Clothing Warehouse on Broadway. By 1979, however, Basquiat gained a certain celebrity status amidst the thriving art scene of Manhattan's East Village, for his regular appearances on Glenn O'Brien's live public-access cable show, TV Party . In the late 1970s, Basquiat formed a band called Gray, with the then-unknown musician and actor Vincent Gallo. Gray played at clubs such as Max's Kansas City, CBGB, Hurrahs, and the Mudd Club. Basquiat worked with Gallo again in a film Downtown 81 (a.k.a New York Beat Movie) which featured some of Gray's rare recordings on its soundtrack. He also appeared in Blondie's video "Rapture" as a replacement for DJ Grandmaster Flash when he was a no-show.
Basquiat first started to gain recognition as an artist in June 1980, when he participated in The Times Square Show, a multi-artist exhibition, sponsored by Collaborative Projects Incorporated (Colab). In 1981, poet, art critic and cultural provocateur Rene Ricard published "The Radiant Child" in Artforum magazine, helping to launch Basquiat's career to an international stage. During the next few years, he continued exhibiting his works around New York alongside artists such as Keith Haring, Barbara Kruger, as well as internationally, promoted by such gallery owners and patrons.
By 1982, Basquiat was showing regularly alongside Julian Schnabel, David Salle, Francesco Clemente and Enzo Cucchi, thus becoming part of a loose-knit group that art-writers, curators, and collectors would soon be calling the Neo-expressionist movement. He started dating an aspiring and then-unknown performer named Madonna in the fall of 1982. In 1982, Basquiat met Andy Warhol, with whom he collaborated extensively, eventually forging a close, if strained, friendship. He was also briefly involved with artist David Bowes.
By 1984, many of Basquiat's friends were concerned about his excessive drug use and increasingly erratic behavior, including signs of paranoia. Basquiat had developed a frequent heroin habit by this point, starting from his early years living among the junkies and street artists in New York's underground. On February 10, 1985, Basquiat appeared on the cover of The New York Times Magazine in a feature entitled "New Art, New Money: The Marketing of an American Artist". As Basquiat's international success heightened, his works were shown in solo exhibitions across major European capitals.
Basquiat died of mixed-drug toxicity (he had been combining cocaine and heroin, known as "speedballing") in his Great Jones Street loft/studio in 1988 several days before what would have been Basquiat's second trip to the Côte d'Ivoire. After his death, a film biography entitled Basquiat was made, directed by Julian Schnabel, with actor Jeffrey Wright playing Basquiat.
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Certainly an argument against drugs, its always a shame to see young talent die. Some say he was a casualty of the predominately white art world, but so many famous artists have struggled and become addicted to drugs that the statement seems to only scratch the surface. With all the fame and positive attention he encountered during his career, there must have been something else nagging away at him driving him to such self-destruction. Perhaps it was the fame itself, the outside push to create repeatedly no matter his personal or artistic motivation.
"They set it up for me so I'd have to make eight paintings in a week for the show next week....I made them in this big warehouse there....It was like a factory, a sick factory....I hated it." *
Related Links:
*Taken taken from Boricua Pop: Puerto Ricans and the Latinization of American Culture by Frances Negron-Muntaner
More on the film, Basquiat showing on Ovation TV
At 22 years old, life’s journey has just begun for artist and sculptor, Amanda Hailey. Growing up in Southport, N.C. has greatly influenced her work’s direction and views as an artist and student of life. It was in this seaside town, where countless artists work and live, that she was inspired to create. Woodblock and lino printing, paints and clay were some of the tools she explored early on, thanks to so many who freely shared their knowledge.
In 2004, local potter Michelle Spencer educated Amanda in the art of spinning clay and glazing. Always encouraged and supported by her parents and teachers, she was provided an environment where creativity and learning were valued and nurtured. In these surroundings, Amanda grew to realize the importance of arts in education. This is a cause she strongly believes in and promotes through, ”Arts in Action”, a collection of local artists who work to make a difference in the lives of others.
After graduating from high school in 2004, Amanda attended Barton College but returned to Southport often to work in the family’s clay studio.
In the summer of 2005, she was offered the opportunity to assist in teaching a children’s pottery course at Franklin Square Gallery Studios. During these classes, she discovered not only a love for hand building with clay but also a love for teaching children to create.
Amanda has since continued to study her craft and looks forward to more opportunities to instruct children in visual arts. In 2008 she was awarded a grant by the Brunswick Arts Council enabling her to build a contemporary work portfolio. She hopes that this innovative series will be an instrument for understanding the importance of creative thinking and art in childhood education.
Currently Amanda is collaborating with Big Bear Productions to develop a documentary short relating to the arts and artists who live in small town U.S.A.
There's a slow and steady, churning art movement bubbling out from under the ether coming mostly from the young adults in today's art scene. Jeff Soto is one such artist in the movement, call it Newbrow or Pop Surrealism for now...not sure which will stick as it comes to the mainstream.
Check out his show, Turning Circles at the Riverside Art Museum if you are in the area. Also, see his work in this commercial made by our comrade Jeremy Asher Lynch with Modus Films.
is
sacred
crucified
by a society of fear
told we are not beautiful
if we are not barbie
(BUY YOUR FAKE TITS HERE)
slaughterted in spirit
by evil thiefs
child molesters, tv comercials, every add everywhere, the disillusion of humanity,
sex sells baby!
then why do we deny the reality
that
we are animals!
they have no shame
why do we?
why can't we
just let it be
a physical expression of
LOVE
ISN'T THAT HOW WE ALL GOT HERE?
The hottest lucsious most beautiful people to me
are the ones who's spirit's are real
Do NOT allow your self to be
brainwwashed
that you are not beautiful
if you don't fit the mold
of what we've all been sold.
easy for me to to say
you see
pretty?
Like Jessica Rabbit
I can't help it I was drawn this way.
