Reflections of an Artist

RENAISSANCE OF THE UNDEAD

RENAISSANCE OF THE UNDEAD

Painting is “undead.” At least that is what the Los Angeles Times article “Painting Gets a Broader Brush” by Christopher Knight declares. He goes on to state that painting was dead throughout the 1960’s and 1970’s and since then has progressively enjoyed a renewed interest and even prominence. As an art critic, Mr. Knight is interested in the path of art for art’s sake, but most of us live in the real world and understand that art is not the world but a reflection of it. I believe there still is an underlying disregard for painting today that stems from a more recent phenomenon. Computers and their influence have altered art.

It doesn’t take much research to realize how difficult it is to find art classes that feature classic figure drawing and painting. Computer classes, advanced imagery and conceptual installation art have taken over many schools. Demands for high tech courses have driven changes in the basics of what is taught as art. The hand of the artist has been replaced with a mouse. It is easier to manipulate images on your computer than it is to struggle with the same problems by hand. Painting, by comparison, becomes a quaint hobby for the unhip and out-of-touch.

It is not surprising that many express contempt for us mere painters. But take heart, painters, for that very fact is proof of painting’s relevance. Throughout the history of art, it is the path less traveled and unaccepted that is the one most honored.

Galleries, museums, and critics again are taking notice of painters and their work. As Mr. Knight points out, “actual painting is a staple in gallery exhibitions from Santa Monica and Culver City to mid-Wilshire and Chinatown. And paintings made by L.A. artists are everywhere.”

I am exhibiting my art in three locations until the end of December:

Two Dogs Gallery in North Hollywood, California
            Lulu’s Café in Sherman Oaks, California
            Monsoon Gallery in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

They Call Me Mister Fry

   LA has an abundance of talented actors, writers and directors. I have seen many wonderful shows in the smaller venues in town that rival off Broadway.

   That is why I was pleased to attend a performance reading of "They Call Me Mister Fry," written and performed by Jack Freiberger. A performance reading of a play is like a film preview before the actual opening. The audience gets to give their opinion of the play, and like a film, it can be edited and changed according to those comments. I have always been somewhat outspoken and opinionated, so this sounded like fun to me.

   This one-man play is about a Wonder Bread idealist, who winds up teaching 5th grade in a No Child Left Behind South Central school. It follows the misadventures of Mr. Fry through the course of a year, with many missteps by both teacher and students. Jack has a great knack for capturing the many people that are Mr. Fry's protagonists, but it is the interaction of two students with their teacher that sets the emotional core of the story. Jack playing these three parts is a fascinating dance to watch. Laughing at the futility of going against a system that is designed for failure and crying when Mr. Fry actually succeeds in teaching and touching the kids. But what he learns is, of course, the most important lesson. It is a wonderful story full of emotion and Jack's portrayal showcases his versatility as an actor.

   The audience was unanimous in its praise of the play. However, a work in progress can always be improved and the comments of the audience can only make a good thing better.

   "They Call Me Mister Fry" will open in February and I will keep everyone posted on the specifics.

Gallery Openings

December 1 was a great evening for art. There were numerous gallery openings and I attended two that where as different as Jackson Pollock and William Wendt.

Segil Fine Art in Monrovia was my first stop and well worth the drive. It is an intimate and sophisticated gallery. Owner Laura Segil is a gracious hostess who lines the walls of her gallery with beautiful paintings by impressionists, naturalists and realists. The show whimsically titled "Critters" features art by Scott Garland, who paints all kinds of animals, birds, and even a rain forest frog in "Hanging Out." Each critter has personality without being sentimental. The show also includes many other artists who paint landscapes with a realistic or impressionistic style. One of my favorites is Laura Wambsgans. Known for her landscapes, alive with color and mood, "Winters Wonder," pictured above, is a departure from her standard palette. It showcases her mastery of subtle shades and shadows, proving that Laura is an artist with many dimensions.

My second stop was No Ho Gallery LA. With its art deco exterior and large gallery displays, it takes me back to my days in New York's Soho district. The crowd was energized with a party atmosphere. The featured artist, Tommy Hollenstein, exemplifies the theme of "New Beginnings." Tommy, a quadriplegic, paints with the wheels of his wheel chair in a not at all random chaos.  His paintings are filled with motion and a playful use of colors. One of his piece's caught my attention with its pale peach background and vibrant orange and blue overlay. I could envision Tommy dancing over the canvas in his wheel chair. The other artist in the exhibit offer a wonderful variety of styles ranging from photography to surrealism. All the artists have overcome some kind of life changing challenge and are pursuing their art with even more purpose. A portion of Tommy's sales will go to charity.

Both exhibits run through December and have creative ideas for gift giving. You can learn more about the exhibits and the artists at their websites.

www.segilfineart.com
www.laurawambsgans.com
www.nohogalleryla.com
www.tommyhollenstein.com