Come See What I've Been Up To

 I hear some actors use a technique called method acting   to really immerse themselves in the thoughts and emotions of their characters.  I thought I'd give it a shot and see if it translates into the art and characters I'm creating.  Come out Saturday and be the judge!

PSST .... here's a sneak peek :)

"Compassion Fatigue," an art show

At Saturday's art crawl, I attended the opening reception of "Compassion Fatigue", a themed art show at the Downtown Presbyterian Church. One of the most striking pieces there was this photograph by my friend,  Tasha French. The statement below explains it brilliantly. Hearing the process of it's making was pretty vivid, as well. I wish/hope you get to see this in person- it is so strong.

"Outreach"

"In this work, Hindu mythology mixes with Christian imagery to explore the grace and destruction inherent in compassion fatigue. In the Hindu paradigm, Kali is both creator and destroyer. In her aspect as the destroyer, Kali is over taken by blood lust and begins to destroy the universe. Her destruction only ends when her consort Shiva throws himself on the ground in front of her. The supposedly slain body of Shiva brings Kali out of her frenzy. Kali is Shakti, the primordial universal life force which brings about liberation and salvation. Yet Kali in her dark aspect is a forbidden thing that haunts our boundary regions and cremation grounds.

Here, Kali (embodied by a woman who performs the roles of activist, chaplain, teacher and homeless outreach worker) is present in the midst of destruction, yet is not the cause of the destruction. She is the Christ bodhisattva; terrible to look upon because of the reality she embodies and reflects. Two hands, seemingly empty, hold the nothingness that is everything, that which she truly has to give, but is seldom recognized as enough in a world of material needs and desires. Another hand holds a bowl of both baptism and cremation ashes, representing the eternal cycle of salvation and destruction. Another hand holds a staff, the shepherd’s crosier, marking the seemingly futile watching and gathering of lambs that nonetheless are taken to slaughter. Everyone healed is eventually destroyed. Another hand, raised defiantly, clutches the holy palm branch of Passover; symbolic of the willingness to turn toward the city and embrace destruction. And finally, behold the Lamb of God, raised by the sixth arm, watching the goddess in the midst of destruction. This is the anguish of the human Christ, vessel of unending compassion whose slain corpse reminds us of the cost of true grace.

Her body carries the burdens of those she refuses to let go, one lambs head representative of a child who died in her arms, one lambs head she holds as a the head of a brother executed by the state, and one head, the head of a man whose charred body marked the very ground upon which she stands, the cremation ground of the destroyed Tent City: a holy, sanctified, terrible place where the world’s disinherited and unwanted found love and healing in equal proportions with beatings, mental illness and dis-ease. Behind the goddess and the cremation ground stretch the highways leading into and out of the city, yet all is utterly still in the eye of destruction.

The potential of unburdened resurrection lies before her, yet until she allows for the liberation from samsara; she remains, willingly, fixed within the destruction."

2nd Annual SoundCrawl

Did the inaugural event last year leave you wanting more? Have you heard about it, and wondered it is? Check out the "ABOUT" page from the official SoundCrawl website.

I'm looking forward to being serenaded this Saturday evening with avant garde goodness brought about by talented friend and artist, Aaron Hoke Doenges. You won't want to miss this!

ABOUT: SoundCrawl

Picture a Saturday night in Nashville when all the galleries are open. Beautiful people, drinks in hand, drift from one gallery to another to experience the best the city has to offer in visual art.

Now imagine that at various points along the way something new has been added, an opportunity to experience a new kind of art, art that you HEAR....sound art.

So in between the experience of the visual arts, artists and guests alike gather to listen to....a rhythmic beat of water drops....or a dizzying immersion of the sound of coins moving through space...synthetic audio wrapping around, tickling the ear drums of the city.

After a successful inaugural event last year, SoundCrawl:Nashville is returning this fall for a second sonic immersion of Music City. During the downtown ArtCrawl on October 2nd, from 6-9pm, Nashville will once again dive into the world of experimental audio with new sound art compositions from around the world. Compositions that immerse. Compositions that resonate. Compositions that explore.

about the ArtCrawl: (from www.artatthearcade.com):Every first Saturday of the month, the historic Arcade in downtown Nashville comes to life with over one thousand visitors. Multiple galleries open their doors to avid art lovers as well as anyone else that is just curious to see what the Gallery Crawl is all about. Art at the Arcade is a collective organization that hosts an assortment of contemporary artists from throughout the world to Nashville.

what is SoundArt: Between 1930 and 1965, composer Edgard Varèse gave a series of lectures that have since been collected and titled “The Liberation of Sound.” In these lectures, Varese was trying to understand – and explain – his own approach to sonic expression. He, along with Pierre Schaeffer and others, began to explore the organization of sonic materials – sounds from the ambient world, evolving electronic technology, and the traditional instruments used for centuries– in any and every combination into cohesive works of audio art on phonograph (and then tape, and now computer).

The only definition that seemed to fit his music was simply: “organized sound.”

This definition has been given several labels through the years: musique concrète (in the French, Varèse and Schaeffer’s native tongue), electroacoustic music, sound collage, sound music, sound art, etc., etc. Some of these labels focus on very specific types of audio used. Some do not. Each one, however, is all encompassing of sound. Any sound. That has been organized in some way.

It’s a pretty broad definition.

The cultural and mechanical forces that influenced Varèse and Schaeffer have only become more powerful in the intervening years. With the advent of the computer and audio software, the production possibilities of sound organization – something that this town knows a bit about - seem endless. This power has brought with it technological ubiquity – computers are everywhere – and with ubiquity has come the commonplace, and with the commonplace comes the ability to focus not only on the medium (the technology used) but also on the expression (the art of the sounds used). And has changed the art of sound as we know it.

So what is sound art?

Sound \'saund\: the sensation perceived by the sense of hearing

Art \'ärt\: the conscious use of skill and creative imagination especially in the production of aesthetic objects

Sound Art \'saund ' ärt\: The conscious use of skill and creative imagination in producing aesthetic sensations perceived by the sense of hearing.

Sound. Collage. Expression. Audio. Organization. Consciousness. Creativity. Music. Art.

Consuming Catastrophe part 2

In thinking about my last post about the recent show, Consuming Catastrophe, I realized there should be more pictures. So here they are; a quick photo journey.

Done and DONE!

I wrapped up work on the door mural today. I am pleased with the result, as well as the opportunity itself. Contributing my work to be a part of a historic institution such as the Downtown Presbyterian Church is really such an honor.

Sound Art

about SoundCrawl:Nashville Picture a Saturday night in Nashville when all the galleries are open. Beautiful people, drinks in hand, drift from one gallery to another to experience the best the city has to offer in visual art.

Now imagine that at various points along the way something new has been added, an opportunity to experience a new kind of art, art that you HEAR....sound art.

So in between the experience of the visual arts, artists and guests alike gather to listen to....a rhythmic beat of water drops....or a dizzying immersion of the sound of coins moving through space...synthetic audio wrapping around, tickling the ear drums of the city.

That evening is coming to Nashville on October 3, from 6-9pm, with SoundCrawl:Nashville.

For the first time ever, Nashville will introduce a sound art festival in conjunction with the city's monthly Art Crawl. On October 3 Nashvillians will be among the first in the nation to experience a festival of this type, an international festival bringing new compositions from all over the world.

Where better to introduce this than Music City.



about the ArtCrawl: (from www.artatthearcade.com):Every first Saturday of the month, the historic Arcade in downtown Nashville comes to life with over one thousand visitors. Multiple galleries open their doors to avid art lovers as well as anyone else that is just curious to see what the Gallery Crawl is all about. Art at the Arcade is a collective organization that hosts an assortment of contemporary artists from throughout the world to Nashville.



about SoundArt: What is Sound Art? Between 1930 and 1965, composer Edgard Varèse gave a series of lectures that have since been collected and titled “The Liberation of Sound.” In these lectures, Varese was trying to understand – and explain – his own approach to sonic expression. He, along with Pierre Schaeffer and others, began to explore the organization of sonic materials – sounds from the ambient world, evolving electronic technology, and the traditional instruments used for centuries– in any and every combination into cohesive works of audio art on phonograph (and then tape, and now computer).

The only definition that seemed to fit his music was simply: “organized sound.”

This definition has been given several labels through the years: musique concrète (in the French, Varèse and Schaeffer’s native tongue), electroacoustic music, sound collage, sound music, sound art, etc., etc. Some of these labels focus on very specific types of audio used. Some do not. Each one, however, is all encompassing of sound. Any sound. That has been organized in some way.

It’s a pretty broad definition.

The cultural and mechanical forces that influenced Varèse and Schaeffer have only become more powerful in the intervening years. With the advent of the computer and audio software, the production possibilities of sound organization – something that this town knows a bit about - seem endless. This power has brought with it technological ubiquity – computers are everywhere – and with ubiquity has come the commonplace, and with the commonplace comes the ability to focus not only on the medium (the technology used) but also on the expression (the art of the sounds used). And has changed the art of sound as we know it.

So what is sound art?

Sound \'saund\: the sensation perceived by the sense of hearing

Art \'ärt\: the conscious use of skill and creative imagination especially in the production of aesthetic objects

Sound Art \'saund ' ärt\: The conscious use of skill and creative imagination in producing aesthetic sensations perceived by the sense of hearing.

Sound. Collage. Expression. Audio. Organization. Consciousness. Creativity. Music. Art.



about the Directors: Kyle J. Baker and Aaron Hoke Doenges


Kyle J. Baker is a composer and creator in Nashville, Tennessee. While thoughtful and quick-witted in person, Kyle's raw, rhythmic and cacaphonic music turns the classical idiom on its ear. When not orchestrating cacaphony Kyle dreams up new experiences drawing on his background in theatre and interest in disruptive innovation. His music can be found at kylejbaker.com; his ideas can be found at thinkingcreator.net.








Aaron Hoke Doenges is an electroacoustic composer based in Nashville, Tennessee. While influences ranging from J.S. Bach and Arnold Schoenberg to John Cage, Edgard Varese', Jonty Harrison, Radiohead and Sigur Ros are present in Doenges’ approach to music, he blends his unique electroacoustic style through a collage of aural pictures. He explores through listening, writing and musical experimentation, searching the world around him for thoughts, sounds and melodies that can be pieced together in ways to provoke attention, thought and perhaps dialog. Music and other info can be found at www.aaronhokedoenges.com.

*Whew*

This past week marked the launch of a sweet new blog for the artists in residence at the Downtown Presbyterian Church. Ms. Streight did a killer job designing it- so check it!
Also of note, the First Saturday Gallery Crawl has been postponed a week due to the first Saturday falling on July 4th this year. It's still on, just one week later: July 11th. *sigh* I'm so relieved. Don't make me chose between fire works and art shows!

Opening Preview

This afternoon DPC hosted the opening preview for the annual D.I.G. (Dialogue:an Interaction for Growth) show. It marks the time which Lent is traditionally observed during, and the shows theme is "Embodiment". The theme has been interpreted by 30 artists, each in a distinct way. The grand opening for the show will be held March 7th from 6-9 :00 in conjunction with the First Saturday Art Gallery "Art Crawl" in downtown Nashville. If you're a first time "art crawler" click here for my suggestions. At the grand opening there will be a pot luck dinner, to which all are welcome, and the purchase prize will be announced at 7:00. Here is a little sampling of what awaits:
Julie Lee's triptych

Elizabeth Streight's mobile

Stained glass

Mixed media

Richard and Phillip Feaster's collaboration

Andee Rudloff's paintings on wood panels

The first wall of work, and possibly the most vibrant, too


This magical Dr. Seuss-ian cake will be gone by the time you get there Saturday, but come on anyway! Oh, and the D.I.G. show reaches beyond just visual art. Check out the poster (at the top of this post) for the film series and spoken word event!

Intro to First Saturday Gallery Crawl in Downtown .Nashvegas

This Saturday, the 7th, is the first Saturday of the month- hence the First Saturday Gallery Crawl. I realized there will be some peeps I know going that have never been before, and decided there should be an illustrated intro to this whole dealio. This is a basic map pointing out my favorite stops in the area. There are several more places along the way, so if you've got time by all means check them out. If you're not good with time, and need to prioritize destinations, these are my top picks for February.

1) Downtown Presbyterian Church (Yes, it's a church. Enter the big dining hall on the 5th Ave side.): Elizabeth Streight and Sarah Hearld exhibit photography. They got the Scene's "Critic's Pick"!
2) the Rymer: Looking forward to paintings by W.B. Tomkins.
3) Tinney Contemporary: "Stop Look Listen" Three unique artists focusing on the human body and communication.
4) the Arcade Building: the mini gallery mecca. There are quite a few of my favorite galleries on the upper level of the Arcade, such as Twist; just make a loop around the upper level and see! Oh, and, Eastern Block will be preforming live in the Arcade for this evening. YES.
5) Estel: It's worth the stroll over several blocks to 8th. It's a beautiful space that always hangs quality work.


I believe that sums it up! The only other detail is time; it goes from 6-9:00. Six may seem early, but I recommend not waiting till too late, because it's not fun to feel rushed (and the wine will run out by the end of the evening).

Did I Mention?

"Polar Bear In A Chair" by L. Baisden

Did I mention I have a show Saturday evening? Yes, this Saturday, December 6th, from 6- 9 pm. It's an "art trunk show" of sorts, a one- night event featuring work by myself and my fantabulous cohort, Laura Baisden. The image above is one of Baiden's kick- ass prints. You're going to love her work; I'm sure of it. As for me, I'll have new work, AND affordably priced pieces with gifty-type potential. Together we invite you to come check it out; let us serve you tasty snacks and drinks, too! Very important detail: the shindig goes down at Fire Finch's downtown location (305 Church St, Nashville, TN 37201. The First Saturday Gallery Crawl will be happening that night in the very same district, so make a night of it!

I 'll Have a Glass of Red Please

Surprisingly, there weren't a ton of people out last night for the gallery crawl; being a cool, breezy evening I would've expected otherwise. I took advantage of that though and was able to actually look closely, talk, sit, and even stand without constantly bumping into other gallery goers. So, the first place we went was Davis Art Advisory in the Arcade. At the Davis showroom, I was particularly into the work by Jaclyn Mednovic. Another artist in the Arcade whose work I adore is Danielle Duer. She has a couple new pieces that I could stare at for hours; the intricacy is crazy! Crazy good. Maybe I'm a little jealous:)

Out of the Arcade, the Rymer and Tinney + Cannon were next on the route. The Rymer had 5 (I believe) new pieces of Julia Martin's. They were lovely and dreamy as usual, and I noticed several "sold" stickers...Yay! Tinney + Cannon featured several interesting artists, but the one I was most drawn to was Rachael McCampbell. Her colors are soft and bold, seamlessly side -by- side. Definitely would like to see more of her work.
For me the gallery walk ended at Estel. The two main artists showing this month at Estel are Anna Jaap and Lori Field. Anna Jaap's work was in the same vein as previous pieces I've seen, making me wonder if I actually have seen these before? Lori Field's work was pretty intriguing: the collaged pieces, the layers, the drawn elements, the imagery.They are wild fairy tale dream worlds. I met Lori, and she explained the large pieces in this show are the first large collage pieces she's done- exciting! And she was super nice!

So yeah, I guess that sums up the highlights for me. You should go check out one or all, if you haven't already. The current shows will hang through the end of September.

Perfect Timing

After the sand cast, I tried resuscitation...
Then, in a fit of joy, I frolicked with HW.


and Jon :)





So, here I am back in Nashville, safe and sound. When "Hanna" actually hit the coast last night it was much less damaging then it could've been. It was a tropical storm, and it came in much further north than expected. Thankfully, the beautiful town of Charleston,SC didn't get demolished and everyone there stayed safe! Jon and I had a lovely week of beautiful sunny weather (and awesome huge waves) before driving back last night. One of my best friends, H.W. and her husband L.W., live in Charleston now. So, I got two great things in one: a super fun beach vacation and a visit with friends I love. LUCKY ME! This is what I did with my lucky self for the week: go to beach, eat, sleep, swim, beach, eat beach, sleep,eat, beach... maybe you can see a pattern...ahhh, perfection. By now probably everyone in a 900 mile radius knows I am freaking in LOVE with summer, so I'll spare you from proclaiming my love yet again.
Skipping forward a day, I worked at the boutique then headed downtown for the First Saturday Gallery Crawl. My accomplice, Jesse W, and I perused the scene. We saw alot of work, and the majority of it was quite good. Sometimes I go to openings and leave thinking, "Really!???" Not tonight, though. If you went, what were your favorites? If you didn't, I'm about to tell you mine, so stay tuned!

My Room With a View

So, here it is! The new studio space. Isn't it wonderfully open and full of light? When I get everything situated, you'll have to come visit!

Coming Up Quickly

It's almost May- can you believe it??? The upcoming month brings another lively First Saturday in the Downtown Arts District on May 3rd. Twist Gallery will be featuring drawings by Brady Haston. One of my favorite local artists, Danielle Duer, will be in her studio- Fov. Dangenart, Estel, Tinney + Cannon, the Rymer, among others are all participants in the event. Plenty of opportunities to see plenty on new art, and that's NEVER a bad thing;)

Your Itinerary

It's almost time for the First Saturday Downtown Art Event! Yipeee!!!
Here is my suggestion:
Start the evening off eating dinner with friends at Downtown Presbyterian's Art Luck Dinner (I have 3 pieces here).
Walk up Fifth to the Arcade and peruse the many sights.
Saunter over to Eighth (also Rosa Parks Blvd) for Estel's new exhibition.
Now down Broadway for some tourist watching and to the Take 121 gallery on Third.
Still wanting more? My illustrious employer, Susan, and April will be keeping the Downtown Fire Finch open until 8:30.
Or, directly across from Take 121, visit Past Perfect (a cozy bar spot). Channing Lee and Quinn Matthews will be performing at 9:00. They are great, and there is no cover at the door!

February's First Weekend

It may be gross outside, but it's gonna be fun inside! Actually, the forecast is calling for a high of 53 on Saturday and Sunday- that's not so bad, right? Downtown Nashville's galleries and alternative art spaces will be debuting newly hung exhibitions for your viewing pleasure. First Saturday Gallery Crawl activities this week are Feb 2 (of course) from 6- 9:00 pm. If you are not sure where to go, please ask me! Most galleries will be serving light refreshments for your tasting pleasure; better yet, Downtown Presbyterian Church will be serving dinner! They are excited to be involved in downtown's growth, and there is an open invitation to the pot luck dinner, "Art Luck", that is held during every First Saturday Gallery Crawl. If you plan on partaking, remember it is pot luck- bring a dish to share. At this Saturday's Art Luck, Downtown Presbyterian will be previewing their current art event, D.I.G. (Dialogue: an Interaction for Growth). There are details about this event in my previous post, so I won't go on about it, but if you are curious about details, location, etc. their website is very helpful. Ohhh, and hold this information dear to your heart: parking on the street at metered spaces is free after 5:00.
If you can't catch the Saturday events, don't miss the ensuing action on Sunday, Feb 3: the Super Bowl!!!!! hahaha. no. better because this involves shopping. It's Midtown Gallery's annual Super Bowl Sunday sale from 1- 4:00 pm. Pretty much all of Midtown's artists will be offering substantial deals; all of my work will be 35% off!
I hope I see you this weekend!

I Can D.I.G. It

This Saturday, February 2, is the First Saturday Art Crawl in downtown Nashville, and I am part of one show that is opening. I have a piece in the group show - D.I.G. Through Art- hosted by Downtown Presbyterian Church. On First Saturday, at 6:00, Downtown Presbyterian also holds an "Art - Luck" dinner that is open to any art- loving, gallery- hopping, hungry Nashvillian. So, at 6:00 bring your covered dish to take part in the pot- luck dinner AND preview the D.I.G. Through Art Event !
I'm copying an article (see below) that I found on Beth Gilmore' s blog to give you a better idea what the event is all about. Thanks Beth!
Downtown Presbyterian Church~ 154 5th Ave North Nashville, TN 37219

An Emancipation Conversation

A Lenten Art Show, Sacred Blues Concert, and Film Series A D.I.G. Through Art Event (D.I.G. – Dialogue: an Interaction for Growth) The 11th Annual Lenten D.I.G. Art Series at The Downtown Presbyterian Church focuses its attention on its theme: An Emancipation Conversation. The witness of God's love for the world has always been a witness of emancipation. The power of emancipation can be a small spark or a raging fire, and we hope to provide a context for artists and audiences alike to explore this theme during the season of lent.
In doing so, we will be hosting an art show with of local artists on the theme of Emancipation opening 2/10/08 : ***preview Feb 2 !!!*** Julie Lee, DJ Justice, Sarah Shearer, Jodi Reeves, Carla Contreras, Nathan Steele, AyJey, Elizabeth Streight, Michelle Cribbs, Jack Coggins, Mark Sloniker, Leilani Rector, Tasha French, Richard Feaster, Tom Wills, Beth Gilmore, and others .

Open House Studios

Last night I went to a studio open house at Downtown Presbyterian Church. Four artists- Richard Feaster, Tasha French, Beth Gilmore and Tom Wills- currently work out of rooms on the historic building's 3rd floor. It's such an impressive building & and even more impressive that the church is so welcoming to these Nashville artists. Beth Gilmore, founder & owner of Twist Gallery in the Arcade seems to be quite at home in her spacious studio. She's got alot going on- stencils, clay, paint, canvas, frames, books, sketches, prints- I love it! Check out photos above: her studio with works in progress, as well as the room adjacent to hers.

December's First Saturday Gallery Crawl

December 1st, also first Saturday of the month= downtown gallery crawl! The weather was actual a bit nicer then what I was expecting; walking around a couple blocks to galleries was do- able in the not -quite- frigid- yet winter air. I did not go to the gallery formerly known as TAG, but I did visit the Arcade. It was a great mix of art work & people; one particular artist at Dangenart Gallery caught my eye. His work was done with smoke on vellum; the results were swirly, shadowy, and kind of spooky- I like it. If only I could remember his name:( Has anyone seen this/ know who I'm talking about? I just may have to go back and find out.
www.dangenart.com