Naked in the Art World?

Posted on March 13, 2012 by Babs

This thought occurred to me today as I prepared to leave the house without a coat after days of shivering weather. Confidently leaving to walk the dogs, after hearing the predicted temperatures, I felt safely warmed by the afternoon sun.

It’s pretty simple. If it’s cold, you swaddle in the appropriate outerwear and you are protected from the elements. When the air warms, you can cast aside your winter armor and allow you skin to be exposed.

Wish I had an equivalent gauge to monitor my personal exposure through my art. As an artist how do you know when it is safe to expose yourself?

While he was getting an autograph from “neo-pop” artist Rob Pruitt as he sat naked for a public book signing. Jerry Saltz is quoted saying: “I’ve always thought art is a way for artists to dance naked in public.”

I’m not ready to dance naked, but realize by blogging, making and exhibiting art , I am visible. I like to think I’m uncovered, but not unprotected.

These two pieces below can be seen at the Kreft Juried Exhibit
“Mirror Images: Reflections on/of the Arts.” The exhibit will be up March 6 to April 4 2012. Gallery hours are Tuesday–Friday: 12–4 pm and Saturday/Sunday: 1–5 pm

Reception and gallery talk Fri, March 23, 7–9pm “How does art reflect the world live in, what kind of image?”

I’d love to know what other people think!

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Seduced by Clay and Finding Inspiration

Posted on February 3, 2012 by Babs

Viola Frey was quoted in 1970 when asked about working in clay; “I have made a record of what has been and what is. I have attempted to make a permanent whole of the transitory fragments I have seen around me. Clay has the quality of right now! It is able to seize this very moment under hand and eye.”

I recently responded to a call for art “Homage” Exhibit at the Rivers Edge Gallery in Wyandotte.  I immediately thought of Viola Frey.  Although viewing my past work you might wonder where her influence lies.  I’ve long been attracted to her figurative work.  Her work is bold in both size and use of color.  My work is typically never more than 15 inches in any direction and usually relies on safe colors combined with found objects. Yet it is in these quotes that I feel a kinship.  She goes on to say “For the viewer to experience a clay form in space, to see it or hold it,… is to evoke a primary physical and mental response that has not changed or weakened in 5000 years.”

This is why I work in clay.  I’m seduced by its tangible qualities.  Process and product are equally irresistible to me.

Below are my 3 pieces in homage to Viola Frey.

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The exhibit open February 17th and runs until March 17th.

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Shop Local For the Holidays, Made in Michigan Gifts

Posted on November 29, 2011 by Babs

If you are looking for that old fashion Holiday feeling to warm the cockles of your heart,  you won’t be disappointed.  There won’t be any “doorbusters”.  What there will be is one of a kind gifts, hand crafted  by contemporary Michigan artists.

Starting Saturday, December 3rd, 10am-4pm at Polo Fields-Washtenaw Country Club 2955 Packard Rd., Ypsilanti. It’s the AAWA (Ann Arbor Women Artists’) Holiday Arts & Crafts Show.  Over 30 artists will be selling their work.

Then Sunday , December 4th, 10am-4pm at the Pittsfield Grange Hall 3337 Ann Arbor-Saline Road, Ann Arbor.  It’s the 13th annual Gift-Fest. Featuring the work of 28 Ann Arbor Artists in glass, clay, painting, fiber, jewelry, clothing, drawing, metal, books and more.  Including refreshments and an ornament raffle.

Admission and parking are Free.

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Posted in art, Art Fair, ceramics, clay, Holiday, Michigan Art, narrative sculpture | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments