"Figuring History": Artist parent's day out

Took a break from my own work to spend quality time with another artist parent: Valencia Carroll.

Artist Valencia Carroll views Robert Colescott's "A Cruise to Southern Waters"

We usually see each other at Onyx Fine Arts exhibits, but this is the first time we've gotten a chance to hang out. So we ran off to the museum.

What a pleasure to explore "Figuring History" with her... when we take our kids to museums, they always rush us through the exhibits. Dude: it's not a race to the finish line.

Works by Robert Colescott

I guess they're not old enough to appreciate the impact art has in person, as opposed to just seeing it in print or online. (Yes, I see the irony of me posting photos of this experience.) As artists, we want to read a painting for things like symbols, historical references, color choices. We especially appreciated all those elements in the work of Kerry James Marshall.

Works from Kerry James Marshall's "Vignette" series

I'm generally against massive doses of sparkle and glitter, but in the hands of these artists... well. I stand corrected. I watched the light dancing among the rhinestones in pieces by Mickalene Thomas, just floored by the sumptuous color and monumental size. I'd highly recommend seeing these works in person: it's difficult to convey their dimensionality online.

Detail of "Dejeuner sur l'herbe: Les trois femmes noires" by Mickalene Thomas

And who would've thought rhinestones could link 1960s-era James Baldwin and Walter Gadsden to Black Lives Matter in 2017, with such power? Whoa.

"Resist" (full image and inset detail) by Mickalene Thomas

Good day out. Valencia and I should go on more field trips together.

Available art: sometimes you *can* take it with you

Usually when you visit a museum, you have to leave the art on the walls. Not this time. 

When You're Not From Around Here, Are You? closes in April, I expect most of these pieces to go home with someone else. Like you... yes, you, the art lover.

"St. Felicia, Patron Saint of Farewells (Defender of Personal Space)" is already spoken for: she'll be shipped to a collector in Atlanta. Two other collectors are interested in the St. Felicia devotional candles as well. (One or two candles are still available.)

And in case you were wondering, these art patrons asked to buy the pieces on an installment payment plan. I'm also able to take payment for some items through my online shop. If you're interested in these artworks, please contact me here. You really can take it with you! And if you can't, you can always support me as an artist by sharing this post with another art collector.

Artist talk: Inside the minds of two black Northwest artists

How could you miss a chance to hear from the photographer who created this portrait?

Vin & Harlowe Shambry, by Intisar Abioto/The Black Portlanders

I mean, if you've visited You're Not From Around Here, Are You? you might've heard and seen some of what goes on in my head...

Now imagine those minds connecting, and sharing what goes on to make and show these artworks! Intriguing, huh? Please join us for our conversation at the Northwest African American Museum on February 25th. Details:

Hope to see you soon!