I have several works in an upcoming group show in Brooklyn. The exhibition has a theme: Horses. Theme shows are sometimes iffy, but I have confidence this will be very good. These two mixed media monotype/paintings in progress are part of several final pieces I’m working on for this show. The first one is in a very unresolved stage.
This is a painting that has gone through a few variations over the past 8 months. I posted the first stage of it here : http://darteboard.com/2012/05/10/bskip-big-sketch-in-progress/ last May. I had a conversation with our own Toni Tiller about it and she exhibited once again her insight with a suggestion concerning the editing of an unresolved area of this abstracted design. The painting successfully translated form, color, value through rhythm and movement but became confused and clunky in the ‘head’ area. I repainted that territory and pulled it into a more tangible architecture. Its done, finally.
Pheromone 2013, 2013, oil on canvas, 38 x 62″
I’ve been busy busy busy lately. My friend has decided to get rid of one of his houses and invited me to raid it for plants/rocks/supplies and since all those things, especially plants, are expensive I’m going to happily take him up on it. What it means is I spend most days right now loading up The Pig (my Chevette) going over to his house digging up plants and rocks and moving them to my house. Repeat.
So far I’ve moved about 60 plants, and I probably have another 70 or so to go, and since this doesn’t leave a lot of time to cut paper and make collages I am going to label this a design project and post it here. Title – My House, Size – 2.25 acres, Medium – Mixed Media.
This is my little cat house, which I have posted on Twitter before, but it’s had some changes and has now been landscaped with some variegated shrubs and a lot of Hosta, which hopefully the deer won’t eat. I swapped out the previous “deck” for a more natural wood plank. I’m thinking a few more plants and rocks, and maybe a slate walkway leading up to the plank.
This is a piece of woven metal that was gifted to me which I have decided to incorporate as a lattice for some climbing plants and a little Vinca will be coming soon too.
And this is where some new shrubs, Rhododendron and Azaleas were dug in and now I need to make a rock retaining wall along that dark dirt line. Hopefully it will be finished today.
My wife, Mandi Gray, will have her design (pictured above) featured in FORM 2010, at the Luminary Center for the Arts in August. This is a project that she did back when we lived in Chicago, and it is near and dear to her. Her words:
“As an interior designer, it is always fun to work on unique and sometimes unexpected projects. This was definitely the case for me when Rachel Carlson walked into my design firm and asked for information on bamboo. The connection between myself and this soon-to-be client was instant. As our discussion of her motor coach progressed, a remodel project came to fruition. We both believed this project would not be for ourselves soley, but one that could inspire others. A project that was a bit outside the norm that would allow others to think creatively about any space and make design visions come to life.
The motor coach was a typical 1970’s space, filled to the brim with orange shag carpeting, orange velvet upholstery, and orange plastic side and back splashes. All of this began to change once Rachel and I put our heads together and decided to focus on environmental concepts and a “martini lounge meets zen garden” theme. Our desire was to keep the feeling of traveling in a motor coach alive, but introduce a lush, comfortable, and nature-inspired space for her family to enjoy while vacationing.
Bamboo, chocolate burl cork flooring, eco-resin side and back splashes, jelly bean rocks, and mohair were all used to create the desired look for the space.
Overall, this is still my favorite design project to date. I had an amazing time working on not only the project, but with such kind people. This project may be a bit unusual, but it is definitely a functional, beautiful space for her family to enjoy for years to come.”
The motor coach will be driven down to St. Louis and parked out front of FORM, and everyone is invited to come and check it out!
More on FORM here.
from their website:
BKLYN DESIGNS™ is New York’s hottest exhibition of designers and manufacturers of contemporary furnishings, lighting, and accessories made and/or designed in Brooklyn, all handpicked by a jury of editors from leading design and shelter magazines. Founded in 2003, this not-to-be-missed trade show has doubled its attendance in just six years, and has grown to include a diverse array of satellite exhibits and demonstrations, panel discussions, and keynote speakers. The 7th annual BKLYN DESIGNS™ show will be held May 8 – 10, 2009, at St. Ann’s Warehouse, 38 Water Street in DUMBO, Brooklyn. BKLYN DESIGNS ’09 will be spread out over numerous venues to include a specially curated “green” exhibition at Thermador, Bosch, Gaggenau Showroom, a children’s furniture off-site located at Jane’s Carousel, as well as multiple design related evening festivities at hot spots across DUMBO.
Agora Gallery - the proud sponsor of the Chelsea International Fine Art Competition, which offers contemporary artists the opportunity to show their original art at one the most acclaimed juried art shows in Chelsea, New York’s art galleries district.
Tom Bennett
darteboard
galinatodorova
Jason Gray
jdhastings
laelia e. mitchell
probrucer
ssstephg
Toni Tiller
