Narwhal Composition

Here is a piece that I purchased more than a year ago (summer 2022). Yet another Inuit piece acquired from the Dennos Museum, in Traverse City, Michigan, while on vacation in the area. The title: Narwhal Composition, the artist: Kakee Ningeosiaq, the medium: carved stone (serpentine and caribou antlers), size: 11″ x 8″ x 6.” This particular piece requires no wall space, but rather table or countertop space — a much easier space to find and utilize, although this space is becoming scarce in my apartment as well. This was a rather unique piece for me (a cluster of whales as opposed to a single animal) — most of my other Inuit sculptures are solitary figures, but this one just jumped off the shelf and grabbed my heart rather quickly. Alas, I am weak, but I never have regrets when art purchases are involved.

Otto Dix!

Today marks the birthday of Wilhelm Heinrich Otto Dix, a German painter and printmaker. The majority of Dix’s early works were landscapes and portraits done in a realistic style, but shifted later to more of an expressionistic style. Dix was connected to three different art movements: Expressionism, New Objectivity, and Dadaism. Dix volunteered for the German Army when the first World War broke out and was deeply affected by the sights he had witnessed during his short military career. When the Nazis came to power in the second World War, Dix’s work was considered “degenerate” and he was fired from his teaching position. He was even arrested on charges that he was involved in a plot against Hitler (but eventually released). He eventually returned to Dresden where he continued painting mostly religious allegories and other post-war suffering depictions. In his later life, he gained significant recognition and awards.

Source: the photo is in the public domain.

Perch!

Here is an amazing glass mosaic piece that I acquired last year (2022) during an exhibit at my college. The exhibit included not just this artist, but several of her students as well. It was a wonderful show with many talented artists. I have already collected several pieces by this artist, and am delighted to add this exquisite piece. The title:  Perch, the artist: Katie Wheat Pernu, the medium: glass on glass mosaic, the size: 12” x 72.” This piece was much larger than I anticipated and I am still not satisfied with my display solution, but I will figure something out one of these days. The picture on the left is the top half of this piece with the bottom half on the right. My main problem is a light source. Being an apartment dweller, I have limited windows (especially one this tall) and my sliding glass door is already mostly “covered” with other works, so I may have to really get creative and reconfigure the space around my sliding glass door to make this work. Wish me luck!

Watchful Spirit!

Here is the second print that I acquired from last year’s (2022) Cape Dorset Annual Print Collection exhibition and sale that took place at the Dennos Museum in Traverse City, Michigan. The collection had 34 prints by 15 artists and I was fortunate to be able to acquire more than one print. The title: Watchful Spirit, the artist: Qavavau Manumie, the medium: Stonecut and Stencil, the size: 13” x 16.3.” This one is not so large that I had to worry about where I was going to hang it, but my available space continues to dwindle until I can come up with a safe and easy way to hang/display from my ceiling. Until then . . . I’m making do.

The Link Between the False and the True!

Art is not reality. Rather it is the artist’s attempt to capture reality through their artistic lies — their contrived and completely artificial creations (no matter how realistic they seem). Here are some oxymoronic examples:

• “Of all lies, art is the least untrue.” — Edgar Degas
  
• “The matters I relate are true lies.” — Jean Cocteau
  
• “Lying, the telling of beautiful untrue things, is the proper aim of art.” — Oscar Wilde
  
• “The artist must know the manner whereby to convince others of the truthfulness of his lies.” — Pablo Picasso

Source: oxymoronica by Dr. Mardy Grothe

William Merritt Chase!

Today marks the birthday of William Merritt Chase, an American painter connected to the Impressionism movement and known as a teacher. Chase is responsible for the creation of the Chase School (which later became the Parsons School of Design). Chase is best remembered for his landscapes, two separate locations dominated his paintings: New York City (Prospect Park, Brooklyn and Central Park) and the summer landscapes at Shinnecock. Chase was heavily influenced by Édouard Manet. Here is one of my favorite Chase quotations: “You must enjoy what you are doing if others are to enjoy it with you.” So very true about most anything.

Source: the photo is in the public domain.

Equestrian Dream!

Here is another painting that I acquired in the fall of last year (2022). I have collected this artist for several years now, so when his “Origins” show/exhibit was wrapping up, I found myself unable to leave without making a purchase. The title: Equestrian Dream, the artist: Micheal Jones, the medium: mixed media (acrylic, paper, ink), the size: 30” x 38.” This happened to be one of those purchases that was large enough I had no earthly idea as to where I was going to hang or display it. But fear not, I always find a place (for now).

Adorned Walruses!

Every year the Dennos Museum in Traverse City, Michigan, hosts the Cape Dorset Annual Print Collection exhibition and sale. “While the traditional styles and subjects of Kinngait printmaking are still popular among collectors, Inuit artists are becoming increasingly interested in creating art that reflects today’s reality in the Arctic. In this collection of 34 prints by 15 artists, we have a diverse array of themes and techniques that showcase each artist’s individual voice.” (from the Museum’s website.)  Here is the first print (of two) that I was able to acquire at last year’s event (2022) . The title: Adorned Walruses, the artist: Pauojoungie Saggiak, the medium: Etching and Aquatint, the size: 24” x 29.” I look forward to this event every year (I don’t always acquire a print, but I certainly give it the old college try each year.

Frederic Remington!

Today marks the birthday of Frederic Sackrider Remington, the American painter, illustrator, and sculptor who focused on Western Art. His works depict cowboys, Native Americans, and the U.S. Calvary from the last quarter of the 19th century. Of particular renown are his bronze sculptures. Pictured to the right is my favorite of his bronze sculptures (Off the Range [Coming Through the Rye]).

Source:  Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication.

Bison Migration!

Here is a painting that I acquired at the NatureWorks Art Show & Sale back in February of 2022. As usual, I found myself unable to refuse myself the joy of adding yet another beautiful painting to my collection. This one is from one of my favorite “NatureWorks” artists (from New Mexico). The title: Bison Migration; the artist: Matthew Higginbotham; the medium: oil on canvas; the size: 12″ x 12″. I have always really liked the American Bison, and this version of a herd is positively stunning. Matthew’s style has changed a bit, but the colors, and the shapes continue to speak to me (as if that would ever be a concern). I was able to find a space for this one near the bottom of my linen closet in the bathroom. I consider this a major success in my opinion, though to be honest, smaller paintings are much easier to find a space for than some of the larger paintings that I have my eye on.