Only the freshest art for you, my friends
Some people leave their hearts in San Francisco; I left my artwork in San Rafael. If you’re in Northern California, now’s your chance to get a fresh look at it in person.
My altered book triptych “Bought & Paid For” debuts at Fresh Art 2019 tonight, a group show hosted by the Marin Society of Artists. I’m especially excited to be included in this show, because it was juried by Donna Seager of Seager Gray Gallery. Book arts are a specialty of hers. Plus, the gallery has brought book art to the Seattle Art Fair for the past few years, and I look forward to seeing the work of Lisa Kokin when they visit.
Work by Lisa Kokin at 2015 and 2019 Seattle Art Fair, from Seager Gray Gallery
I know some of you are reading this from somewhere in NorCal, so let me know if you visit Fresh Art 2019. Tag me on Instagram and Facebook when you post. The show is up until November 30th, but I’d suggest you make the trip before holiday traffic sets in later this month. Just trying to help you out.
Take ten for a last look at "The Red List"
I hate it when a whole month goes by, and then I realize I have like ONE DAY LEFT to do something important. Who needs that kind of pressure? So I figured you might appreciate a heads-up that “The Red List” is closing soon.
The endangered butterflies and moths disappear on November tenth, but you actually have only nine days left to see them. Ghost Gallery is closed on Mondays. So if you take ten minutes now to plan your visit, then you can take your time with my “Rare & Exquisite” series in person. After this coming week, you’ll have to fly south to see my work up close.
I’m excited to show my altered book triptych at “Fresh Art 2019” with the Marin Society of Artists! You might remember “Bought & Paid For” was in my solo show at the Northwest African American Museum. If you’re following my work from Northern California, your chance to see the washboard-mounted books is coming soon…
A 'uniquely portable magic' at Columbia City Gallery
If Stephen King is right that “books are a uniquely portable magic”… then a book arts exhibit must be a special kind of sorcery.
“The Book as Art” gathers a dazzling array of handmade books at the Columbia City Gallery. They’re different from the books I alter, which are usually sealed shut (partially or completely). Although I make narrative art, the story is told within a more traditional volume. These artworks tend to deconstruct the book design itself. It’s fascinating to see what qualifies as a “book" in an artist’s opinion, and what materials they choose to manipulate.
MalPina Chan, “The Evil Eye:: Envy and Jealousy”
Narrowing down the selection must’ve been a nightmare for MalPina Chan and her co-curators. But installation day… now that I would’ve volunteered enthusiastically to do.
Getting back to the “portable” part of the magic, though, I can’t escape the desire to hold a book in my hands. How do you allow people to get a good feel for the artwork, literally and figuratively?
Fortunately, there’s a time and place to ask: the book artist panel discussion at the gallery tomorrow, October 19th, at 4pm. After a couple hours in this magicians’ workshop, maybe I’ll walk out with a few secrets I can take back to my own studio.