Art Musings from inside the Bubble: July 2012

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Futurism

This isn't exactly a post on futurism, but it's along the same lines. When I think of futurism, things that are fast paced and anything relating to technology come to mind. The futurism movement in the early 1900's focused on getting away from anything considered old. People in the movement wanted change and to move away from concepts and methods used in the past. They liked originality. In short, they were the hipsters of their time, only far more passionate and without the tight tee-shirts. Futurism is a movement I'm fond of, because it had a strong influence on other movements such as but not limited to surrealism, vorticism, Dada and Art Deco. While it's not truly expressionism, there is an emphasis on free expression in the movement, and there are many artists today who have been inspired by the concepts of futurism.

Umberto Boccioni
'Unique Forms Of Continuity In Space'

Taking the idea of the future one step further, to a point where man has ceased to exist in his concrete jungle, and nature has reemerged to claim its territory, is a common theme in literature and art. Though the T.V. show, Life After People, wasn't a big hit, the theme of the show was exactly what many artists attempt to convey. In the photo below, the artist took a series of images of a house over the years as grasses, vines and moss grew over it. The image of in the middle of the series, before the house was engulfed by foliage.

Another example of Nature taking over.

Foliage on the garage


Greenery moves into the rubble

Plants growing up the wall

A flower emerges!

Nature taking over a rusting car

At SmithKlein Gallery, there are several paintings by Michael Shankman with nature taking over as a theme. Below are just two examples:

Prospector

Dream Home

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Cats in art

Humans have had a relationship with cats that dates back over 9,500 years. There is evidence that cats were domesticated as early as 7,500 BC. Cats have provided a service to man by killing unwanted pests, and in Egypt, cats were even revered as creatures supposedly loved by the gods. Throughout the years, many artists have depicted cats in paintings and sculptures. Today, there is even SOFA, The Society of Feline Artists, for people who are inspired and drawn to cats in art.

Those who have visited SmithKlein Gallery may have noticed that we carry a large selection of dog and horse art, but we also have a sizable cat collection available.

Louise Peterson - Louise is fortunate to be living her dream with her husband, Chris, near the small town of Guffey, Colorado. She spends her time hiking with her Great Danes, horse riding, spoiling her three cats and seven goats, sculpting in her studio and operating the business of her art which often involves traveling to interesting places.

"Lethal Weapons"

"Puppy Love"

"Leap of Faith"

CC Barton - C.C. Barton is an award winning artist who works in printmaking and painting, as well as graphite. Her primary interest is in expressing the essence of a particular form. Whether the subject is botanical, animal, or architectural, she strives for balance, grace and simplicity in the finished piece. She is a writer as well, and has included thoughtfully crafted poetry and prose as a companion to some of her images, allowing the viewer an experience of deeper emotional texture. She is represented by galleries in the west, southwest and eastern United States, and her work hangs in private and corporate collections both at home and abroad.

"Baby Jack"

"Entre Nous II"


"Entre Nous I"

Robert Deurloo - Robert Deurloo lives surrounded by rugged mountains, which are inhabited by the animals he sculpts, this postcard-perfect chunk of land is an ideal place for inspiration as a wildlife artist. His sculptures are cast from molten bronze, but due to an elaborate and exotic patina process, they appear to be chiseled from the granite of the Sawtooth Mountains. A combination of intense heat and various acids and minerals produce the polished stone patinas. A self-taught artist, his style blossoms from within, rather than forged by external teachings. He has learned over his 25 year career that capturing every detail in a sculpture can actually detract from the impact of the piece. An exquisite form, combined with a little mystery, will not only capture the spirit of the animal, but will allow a viewer to bring their own experiences to play in the appreciation of his works of art.