"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 As artists, we want to read a painting for things like symbols, historical references, color choices.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.
"Like Mother..." at TAM: supporting each other
Onward and upward!
Up to the third floor of the Tacoma Art Museum, which is hosting the current manifestation of Like Mother, Like Daughter until the end of March. After the hectic pace of the past few months, I really appreciated the opportunity to unwind, in a sunny room, with the contributing artists.
Some of the marvelous artists contributing to Like Mother, Like Daughter
What better way to celebrate Women's History Month than with these beautiful minds and their work?
Speaking of supporting people you love...
... someone has spoken up for a collage in the exhibit You're Not From Around Here, Are You? In fact, the collector contacted me two different ways to make sure this piece was still available for purchase.
If you're interested in one of these pieces, please let me know through the Contact Me page. (And yes, I do installment payment plans.) If you haven't already, I'd suggest you visit the exhibit while it's still up at the Northwest African American Museum: art always looks so much better in person.
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.