Artist trading cards @ Atelier artista

Food for Thought. Art school or not?

Check out this You tube video. It raises a number of good points challenging the status quo of the institutional art education system. Share your opinion in the comments section below.

here is something else I found interesting: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/f-scott-hess/is-deskilling-killing-you_b_5631214.html

Artist talk - Calgary Public Art

PublicArt 101 - Professional Development Series 

Artist-in-Residence Programs 

In this session, we will explore and discuss artist-in-residence programs and opportunities both in Calgary and worldwide. Presenting artists will share their experiences of working in local and international residence programs, and present information on what's involved in the application and funding process.

When: Tuesday, February 12, 2013 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Where: Cliff Bungalow Arts Centre, 2105 Cliff Street SW

Presenting artists include:

Brian Batista, Calgary Allied Arts Foundation, St(art) Residency

An artist based in Calgary, Brian holds a BFA with Distinction from the Alberta College of Art and Design. He was part of the exhibition 7 BY 7: RISING TALENTS at Stride (2009) and his first solo exhibition, Sacred Images, was held at the Untitled Arts Society Gallery. Brian recently showed his series "Divine Inspiration" at the Stride Gallery. www.brianbatista.com

Dick Averns, Calgary 2012 AiR Program

Currently maintaining a practice in Calgary and teaching at ACAD, Dick is actively involved in exhibiting through public institutions, artist-run centres, public art projects and via performative events. His interdisciplinary approach invariably places the audience as a central component to works that thematically engage with the commodification of space. www.averns.com

Rachel Duckhouse, Watershed+ Artist Residency

A visual artist based in the UK, Rachel studied at Leeds College of Art and Winchester School of Art and has been a practicing artist for 14 years. She specialises in drawing and printmaking and her recent etchings, screen prints and drawings are abstract, geometric works that explore 'how things fit together'. www.rachelduckhouse.co.uk

Yvonne Mullock, International Residencies

Graduating from the fine art department at Glasgow School of Art, Yvonne's creative practice has developed into a research-led multi-disciplinary approach that spans interests in nature, landscape and craft - making sculptures, drawings, films and textile works for both gallery and site specific installations.Yvonne has participated in residencies in Scotland, England, United States and Canada.www.yvonnemullock.co.uk

Space is limited to 75 people. Please register in advance.

Contact: Evan Woolley, Program Coordinator, Public Art Program

evan.woolley@calgary.ca / 403-476-4329

Local-Motion

So come on, come on, view some local artwork with me........

I have the rare opportunity to hang work in a new development in the Calgary art scene.  A new gallery is opening up in Eau Claire Market called Motion Gallery. "What is in a name, that we are thus or thus?" Well...... Motion: because it had to come together quickly. Maybe in hopes to moving lots of artwork. Hopefully not because the gallery will be short live and have to move. It is a huge space where artists can buy in for $50 and hang their work with little restriction.  There is a lot of space, but I know with my artistic drive I could personally fill it if need be.  If you are an artist reading this and are interested, get involved. Hang beside me. Drop me a line and I'll point the way.

Dealtails for fellow artists and creative vendors: 
The gallery takes a 15% commission on top of the membership fee, they provide staffing daily so you can drop off your stuff, put up a price an cross your fingers. Its only $50 to take a chance. The downside is that it is the slowest time of the year for Eau Claire Market and there is virtually no advertising or marketing plan for the gallery. The upside is the location. I am told that many business people go there for lunch and browse around during their break. This alone should promise some traffic. If you have seen what kind of trinket stores are in there, an art gallery should have no problem opening its doors, people will hopefully browse the collection in droves.  In my experience, as long as you keep getting your work in front of peoples eyes, you can find someone interested in buying work and/or supporting the arts.

I threw up these three pieces quickly. I will be dropping off more works in the days to come.

The gallery has sufficient track lighting suspended form the ceiling. In order to create a sense of uniformity before the opening all the information and sales tags including artist CV's and bios will be created by the gallery. As soon as the gallery gets filled, the doors will open. 20 is the perfect number of artists to have on the roster for a space this side but I am sure more can be accommodated. By the looks of it, there will be an opening party this Saturday, but I will keep you posted as things develop.

There are patterns everywhere. I made the observation to my room mate yet again that the magic of observation and what we say often comes to fruition, but in far more eloquent terms.  The other day while at EMMEDIA, I was talking to Noel about the stretchers I bought off of his mom Carol Green.  I told him that I needed larger stretchers for the work for my show next year at the Stride Gallery. He asked if I got the cedar ones he made with the smooth bevel. I didn't.

I was letting my friend into the studio to move his stuff again last night and I noticed some frames sitting by the elevator. I asked them if they were theirs. They said "no" they have been there for days. it didn't take me a second to grab up that opportunity. This is why I feel like the luckiest guy in the world.  Not only did I score some free stretcher bars of unequivocal stability and quality for nothing, but they are the exact size I need, and potentially the exact ones we were talking about a few days prior.

If there was an series of steps,
it might look like this.....

1) Put it out there (make a wish)

2) Wait

3) Observe and listen for a response or an Opportunity,

4) Act. Jump on it!

5) Continue to make wishes

Richard Halliday, RCA

A huge inspiration, Richard Halliday, and artist who creates lyrical paintings in black and white is finally represented online in Social Media.  Michael Markowsky created a page on facebook as a Tribute Page to one of the world's greatest LIVING artists. The biography alone is worth the read. I was lucky enough to study and befriend Richard while at ACAD. He is a legend!

You can also check out Richard's work at his website: www.richardhalliday.com. Do it!

Constellation Series: 2005, 66"H x 106"W (167.6 x 269.2 cm)
Titanium white oil stick on bone black acrylic ground on canvas
Trepanier Baer Gallery, Calgary, Alberta, Canada