Artists Passion

In searching through the internet, I’ve noticed quite a few events coming up across the country. Some of them are museum events, some are gallery events, but all support the art world. I’m hoping that with this keen category system, some people from the actual cities will be able to find these events. Here’s hoping.

Don’t 3, St. Petersburg, FL, NOW

The Studio @620 is presenting a multi-media performance piece by Alice Ferrulo of Black Horse Theatre. The set designer is Frank Strunk III, one of my favorite artists. The photo is by Michael Conway. The show runs until Jan. 19, so catch it while you can.

Charles Banks Wilson: An Oklahoma Life in Art, Tulsa, OK, NOW

As I reported yesterday, Charles Wilson was an Oklahoma artist. The Gilcrease Museum of the Americas is holding an exhibit through March 9.

Lights: A Photographic Exploration, Bellevue, PA, JAN. 19

The Pittsburgh, PA blog reports that Creative Treehouse will be holding this one night event of poetry and photography. The Shutouts, Andrew James, The Dream Intended, and The Jim Dandies will be providing music.

Art for the Heart Silent Auction, San Francisco, CA, FEB 7-9

I read about this auction on the blog Diary of a Crafty Chica. The auction benefits the Encantada Gallery; the auction preview is Feb. 7-9. The auction isn’t until the evening of Jan. 9. Due to setbacks caused by a house fire, the owner of the gallery, Mia Gonzalez may have to close shop. The auction is designed to keep this from happening.

That’s what struck my fancy this week. If you know of any events going on in your area, please feel free to let me know about them.

My new posts are up on http://sticksoffire.com. It’s a Tampa blog; it’s a pretty big deal, because it’s been known to scoop the major papers in Tampa on important happenings. I’m covering the art beat.

I realized that more could be said about Orianna Kurrus and her art than just a single link to her page. In my first post, I displayed the painting I have hanging up in my own home, “Blood and Cupcakes.� I love it so, even though friends who have seen it call it creepy.

Here’s what I know about this enigmatic artist. She is an ex-clown for hire. She lives in Virginia in a commune full o’ hippies. She is Jewish and integrates many themes from her faith into her art. She loves dolls, especially ones splashed with blood or an acceptable blood facsimile. She’s a Southerner at heart, even though she loves Boston. And, she’ll barter her art for coffee, which is how I got “Blood and Cupcakes.� I did some modeling for her when she lived in Florida, which was definitely an interesting experience.

I love her whimsical and sometimes outrageous style.

Speaking of whimsical, according to Web Urbanist, there is a man making art by making tiny, tiny cityscapes with tiny, tiny people in them. So, keep your eyes open! You might just find one. I especially love this one of a painting falling in an art gallery and wreaking havoc in the city below, although it’s weird to see the Domino’s Pizza in there.

And, last but not least, there is a new contest out there for jewelry makers. Find the details here.

I know my predecessor spent a lot of time contemplating what makes the universe tick and how to work with inspiration and muses. In the next few posts, I plan to put my own spin on these issues as well as introduce more artists, artistic contests, and lifestyle concepts. Let the good times roll.

When I found out I was going to start writing for Artist’s Passion, I delved into the question, “What is art?” I go by the artistic mantra that anything I find pleasing and is made by human hands is art. Knitted scarves are art. So are masterfully prepared dinners. Paintings, sculptures, and even hand-made candies can also fall into this category.

So, what isn’t art? Do paintings made with animal dung or human urine still fall under this broad topic? What about a picture painted by a dog? A painting made by a disabled man for therapy? A sculpture constructed by a robot? Is the robot itself a piece of art?

I plan on delving into the subject of art with passion and ingenuity, presenting the art I like, the art I hate, and broadening my horizons as much as possible.

Since this is my first post for Artist’s Passion, any feedback about great artists, artworks, or art events is much appreciated. As a closing thought, here is my favorite work of art in my current collection. It is entitled Blood and Milk and currently resides over my bed. The artist, Orianna Kurrus, has an Etsy account where she routinely sells her art from her home at a commune in Virginia.

Why I love it: The colors are vibrant. The little girl’s hollowed eyes are intriguing to me. The mixed media approach to the little girl’s dress add texture to the overall work. Even with her teapot full of blood, it almost seems the tentacle-like trees are an ominous danger. It gives me something to ponder as I drift off to sleep at night.

Click the link to check out:
SOLARCADE’s newest Album “The Beautiful Demon”.

Take care of eachother, every moment is precious.*

by: Liane Schmidt

If the name alone doesn’t catch your attention, take a listen to their song “Abandoned by Many”!

Influenced by such greats as Blink 182, Jimmy Eat World, and Green Day there is clearly star quality in 3 O’Clock Diagnostic talents! There is something reminiscent in their songs to the passionate, beautiful music of the Smashing Pumpkins as well. If you love any of these already great bands, you will certainly love 3 O’Clock Diagnostic!

Made up of four band members from Portland, Oregon:

Dan Mosher (Guitar/Vocals)
Chris Keyes (Drums)
Dan Bacon (Guitar/Vocals)
Nate Bland (bass)

3 O’Clock Diagnostic will NOT disappoint you!

You can check them out at: MySpace Page - 3 O’Clock Diagnostic!

by: Liane Schmidt

…we are living in a new time, when television can be watched on a cellphone, a laptop and EVEN in one’s own car! Our grandmothers, mothers are rolling over in their graves!

Yes, this is indeed a new time! We are becoming healthier, drinking green tea, working out more, investing more, reading more, trying to improve this world, day-by-day. Yet, there is still more we can do, everyday.

Pollution is a serious problem. With global warming, every car emission, every pollutant that fills the air is slowly destroying this planet’s future existence.

BUT - WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!

On Dec 9 & 10th, the first annual “Alternative Car and Transportation Expo” www.altcarexpo.com is taking place in Santa Monica. It is a FREE event and it will be featuring all the latest models of electric, non-pollutant alternative transportation vehicles. Everyone from Toyota, Honda…

…to Electric mo-peds!

Electric mo-peds are currently popular in Eurpean countries, and they can become popular here! They are highly economical between $1199-1399 (financing available making them approximately $50/month! That’s a phone bill!), battery charged, only $60/year for insurance, the list of benefits go on! If you are interested in more information, please feel free to contact me at joliemaejolie@yahoo.com!

We CAN save the planet, one person at a time!