Dreaming...

I had an opportunity to dream a little today. To explore what I considered unattainable, what I would accomplish if fear were not a factor. I saw the possibility of a growing body of work, of making inspiring connections, of having a sunlit studio and little collections of the things I love scattered among unfinished and finished canvases, open paint boxes, the smell of oil and spirits and a thin dusting of charcoal over a work table filled with projects in various stages of completion. I heard the chatter of friends, clinking wine glasses, saw dark purple grapes and an assortment of crackers artfully arranged on unique platters. People chatted about process and intention, about years and transitions, about work and passion...we talked about art.

Today I visited the studio of my dear friend Dennis Sirrine. Dennis just opened the doors to his fabulous studio in the Velvet Mill in Stonington, CT. He has a long Curriculum Vitae which details a career replete with honorable mentions, gallery exhibitions, directorship positions and memberships to premier artists groups. His formal education in the arts started in the late 60s but when asked how long he has been painting, he gestures with his hand at waist height and says "since I was this tall." When I first met Dennis, his work was on display at the Maritime Art Gallery in Mystic, CT where I worked in the printshop and later as a gallery assistant. I always admired his craft and meticulous brushwork, something that I found painstaking and elusive in my own work. But Dennis held my attention because his work was more than the sea or boat or landscape that he was portraying. I always felt that there was emotion or feeling or a little bit of soul behind his serene depictions of marshes and beaches. As I walked through his gallery, I was immediately drawn to a wall full of abstracts hanging in a corner of the studio. These transitional pieces were recently completed and are, in Dennis' own words, paintings that "were a release of emotions" from his recent transformation and move to the Velvet Mill. He has opened up his soul and has painted it for all to see.

He has only occupied his space since March but is well situated. The studio is warm and inviting. He has a pleasant view of a small pond and bubbling fountain. The windows are open and allow in the salty smell of the ocean which is nearby. He welcomes people with open arms and says his goodbyes with hugs and a warm smile. His space is just perfect and is worth a look if you are interested in seeing a working space transformed by the spirit of creation and the passion of the artist. Congrats Dennis and may there be many more glimpses into that colorful soul of yours!

You can visit the Velvet Mill Studios and Dennis' space on July 9th during their Summer Open Studio Event.

Velvet Mill Studios / Dennis Sirrine

22 Bayview Avenue, Studio E

Stonington, CT 06378

Making Money...The business of art

I just read an article in the business section of the June 11th edition of The WEEK in which it briefly states that "Art is on the Upswing." According to the write up "the market for fine art dropped off a cliff last year...but in 2010...auction sales for old masters and contemporary art have bounced back (from the 35% fall in the first quarter of 2009." This is according to report in the MEI Moses All Art index which analyzes art sales and auctions. Bottom line is that this new influx of sales indicates that there "could be more upside later this year." The article goes on to suggest that although sales are up, investing in fine art is still a tricky thing. Apparently (and this is something that I did not know). "Besides being subject to violent price swings, art is highly illiquid and expensive to transport, store and insure. Art purchasers must pay sales tax, while sellers incur a 28% capital-gains tax--nearly twice the current long-term rate for traditional investments."

So what do I conclude...what does this mean to me as an artist trying to make a living from her work? Well, first of all, as an emerging artist I am not in the category of the old masters or for that matter in the premier list of contemporary artists (that is on my goal sheet). But what this does to my business is that, like real estate, buying and selling art fluctuates with the market (we all have an inkling of how this works). If investors have no money then investments decline. But art is not a house that you can live in, you are not purchasing a stake in a company that borrows your money and then compensates you for your investment. The value of the work that I do is determined by what people are willing to pay for it not necessarily for services rendered. We all say how art is an investment, how it has value and how that value will only increase with time but in reality the value that I want to give to someone is the emotion of owning something that speaks to their soul, that brightens their walls, that sparks imagination. Can you really put a 28% capital gains tax on something which should place its value on the amount of JOY it brings to owner and seller? Wow, that is a steep price to pay for a little piece of heaven! Why don't we do that same for Jimmy Choos or for that Dooney & Burke bag that cost more than some of the pieces on my gallery walls? Do they not bring JOY to the wearer? And why can't we base the value of our work on amount of hours and materials used? Isn't there a way to determine value without the "violent price swings"?

The sad part about all of this is that the artist (while still alive and working) never seems to achieve the financial compensation that he/she deserves. Part of the mystique of being an artist is that the labor is truly one of love or obsession. Think about Van Gogh whose portrait of Dr. Gachet sold in 1990 by Christies for $139M. Considered one of the most famous Dutch artist (after Rembrandt), he had very little success throughout his career and only achieved recognition 11 years after his death following a show of 71 of his 1001 paintings in March of 1901 in Paris. What does this say about our chosen work? If the work is valued by someone, shouldn't success be appreciated during our careers, why must the artist be punished and labeled as starving? Our work is just as important as anyone providing goods and services, the only difference is that our work attempts to feed the spirit.

This is a difficult debate and could go on forever. I am not well versed in all matters having to do with markets and finances. What I do believe is that my work and the work of the artists that I know IS valuable but not for the reasons the market leads us to think. The value is soulful and indicative of an appreciation for a craft that is well done. My question is...how do we market and place a value on a job well done when we are competing with stocks, bonds and real estate?

I (Heart) Downtown Participants! Thank you!

list.cwk (WP)

Here is a complete listing to date of all participating artists and venues. Please be sure to stop by and take a peek in the windows, chat with the store owners, inquire about our little towns. We are excited to see you. And don't forget to visit me and fellow artist/friend Will Houlihan at booth #49 at the fabulous Virtu Art Festival in Wilcox Park. We will be doing a live collaborative painting!

I am so grateful for all of the help that I have gotten specifically from all of my friends and colleagues at Above Elite Studios: Laura Gaffke for her never ending optimism and the ability to say just the right things, Joy Neerkaje for her laughter and truisms that make me smile, Charles Estabrooks for digging out all of his display equipment and supplying me with an artist tent when the one that I had died on me and Susan Stone for driving all the way from Florida to participate, have a drink and encourage me with her savvy advice and career anecdotes! Not to mention the Artists at The Riverside (Ian Newbury, Fran Knapp & Marie Laudini for letting me take over the entire studio) and all of the Riverside Merchants for their willingness to put up with me and to just let me dive right in! Thanks TLC Boutique and The Bean Counter!!!

Last but not least I have been continually surprised by the reception of the business owners in Westerly. They have been persistent despite miscommunication, snafus, and the general chaos that comes with putting together a new event. I hope that all that we have learned this year will make the event even better in future years.

Special things happen because of the special people that are involved...

I live and work in a little area nestled between two states which straddle a meandering river emptying out into Long Island Sound. The little beach towns of Pawcatuck, CT and Westerly, RI are forever united like conjoined twins sharing a heart. At the heart of these towns are its people and their willingness to embrace the life offered and keep their town(s) alive. Both towns boast active businesses, cafes, restaurants, retail stores, and lots and lots of artists studios!!! How exciting it is to have such a strong community of creative people in one little area. Even better is the willingness of the downtown businesses and building owners to support the artist community by participating in monthly art strolls (every 1st Wednesdays of the Month) and hosting events like the Virtu Art Festival every Memorial Day weekend.

Well, you are now officially invited to participate in or witness what I believe to be a truly special event. The "I (Heart) Downtown" Art Exhibition will transform the storefronts of downtown Westerly and Pawcatuck into a gallery showcasing a collection of local artwork from May 27th-May 31st! How thrilling it has been to hear a resounding YES when I approached both the artists and the business owners with this idea. There was hardly ever a no said and instead my questions were followed by enthusiastic offers. Thanks to all of those who have said YES to this unique opportunity. Here is a list of all of the participating artists and businesses to date. I will post a complete listing after we hang the show on May 27th. So be sure to come into town on Memorial Day weekend and grab a coffee or tea or even ice cream and take a stroll down Railroad Avenue, Canal Street, High Street, Broad Street and into Pawcatuck. Look in the windows, walk in the stores and see for yourself all that we have to offer!!!

When: May 27th, registration & hanging

displaying through May 31st

Where: Downtown Westerly, RI & Pawcatuck, CT

Artists: Will Houlihan, Millie Donovan, Ian Newbury, Fran Knapp, Marie Laudini, Jen Pescatella, The Red Couch Studio, Jackie O'Dea, Julianne Eanniello, Carey Williams, Laurie MacKenzie & her students, Laura Gaffke, Joyita Neerkaje, Lisa Szaro, Susan Stone, Dennis Sirrine, Denny Rivera, Heather Caulkins, Judy Silver, John Malenda, Diana Sartor, Dave Madden, Doraine Van Lew, Sandi Gold, Kathy Johnson, Cathy Johansen, Sherrie Parenteau, Kathy Johnson, Lacy Martin...

Businesses: Perks & Corks, Eagle's Nest Gallery, Nature's Wisdom, Carrie's Shoes, L'Interieur, Town & Shore Realty, Van Ghent, Classic Framers, TLC Boutique, The Riverside Artists Studio & Gallery, The Bean Counter, Candy Galore, Nigrelli Jewelry, Bea Smiths, Seaport Downtown, Herbwise, Laurie's Art Center, The Westerly Land Trust, Expertise Styling Salon, Beauty Hut, Melissa Ashley Brides, The Children's Market, Bella Vita Salon, Get Fired Up, Artists' Coop Gallery of Westerly, Better Body Works...

Special Thanks to: The Westerly/Pawcatuck Downtown Business Association and its members, WBLQ 1230 A.M., The New London Day and The Westerly Sun news publications for throwing their hat in and helping the DBA promote this effort!!!!

Be sure to come visit me in the park where I will be participating with fellow artist and friend, Will Houlihan, in the Virtu Art Festival, booth #36 (on the right side of the Library across from the town hall). Will and I have something special planned.

Here is a brief video promo/invitation. Be sure to share this with your friends and give props to Sconvideo Steve for his brilliant work!

The Brainy & Bubbly Kathleen Neal– Altered Book Artist and a Hell of a Girl

Creating art has always been a necessity and not a luxury for me. I have always needed to set aside time to write, draw, paint, collage…time to take what I observe and experience and feel, and make manifest a finished product. Delving into the world of the altered book (with the wonderful and unflagging guidance and encouragement of Laura!) has allowed me to combine so many techniques into one object. I once heard that artwork is never finished but abandoned. I find that so true with the altered book…there is always another layer to add, another technique to try. This particular book, still in progress, has specifically helped me to develop personal definitions of colors and particular images...can you decipher what they are?

–Kathleen Neal

(You'll have to stop by and see Kathleen's book for yourself during the Opening Reception this Friday, May 21st starting at 5:00 to decipher the images she has been inspired by.)

The Divine D'Arcy Hollis–Altered Book Artist & One Cool Lady!

My Name is D'Arcy Hollis. I grew up surrounded by art in it's many forms. My Great Aunt was an artist in the Toronto area, and won numerous Canadian awards, my mother and father are both quite talented, though they never had the time to pursue their passions. Although I always had an urge to try my hand at painting, I never did....I was afraid of failing, being compared to others in the family, and well...showing how little talent I actually possess.

Times change. Over the past few years a number of life-changing events have pushed my little boat onto a different course. One of the things I've realized is that life IS really too short...and if not now....WHEN? SO, I've taken the leap and am free falling into the world of art. I've decided I really don't care what others think of my work. It truly makes me happy (and even laugh right out loud at times), and that is all that matters. I did not realize before that most artists are not BORN with a super natural talent! Most have talent, but they need to learn techniques, and practice, practice, practice - as well as be willing to simply try!

This is my first book, and it has opened up a whole world to me! I will never look at anything the same way again!! I am constantly examining everything to see if it could have a use in "my book". Trash goes through the third degree before being put in the bin, magazines are scrutinized and torn apart, 5 min. walks now take 25! I "see" so much more. Patterns, textures, colors jump out at me from seemingly the most mundane objects.

I love nature and animals. The beauty, simplicity and non-judgement fills my heart with love. Watching my puppy roll around on her back on the front lawn, legs in the air, wiggling and growling, and yes....smiling, is probably one of the most cathartic experiences in my life. No pretense, just pure bliss. This is what this book has brought to me. I lose the judgement and just experience the silliness!

I hope you enjoy my book as much as I've enjoyed creating it.


D'Arcy

The Precocious Kathy Johnson– Altered Book Artist with a Surprising Kick

So one of my favorite people (actually they are all my favs) is Kathy Johnson. Kathy is a statuesque woman who stands tall and graceful. Her demeanor is quiet and she usually sits back and observes. I like to think that she is enjoying the show and letting inspiration come to her. Her voice screams when she presents her work. She is a collage artist with the amazing ability of using threads, fabric, handmade paper, natural elements, touches of sparkle and even zippers in her tiny canvas. I was immediately drawn to her pieces and indulged in one called "Spring" which now graces my workspace at home. It was enough for me to hear her through her work and now I have the privilege of having her as a friend and fellow artist. Here are a few, concise words from our Kathy. We are grateful to have her among us during the upcoming exhibition of "Altered Books" opening at The Riverside (8-12 Broad Street, Westerly) this Friday, May 21st from 5-8 p.m.

I am inspired by nature and enthusiastic, passionate people.

This book has helped me to think about creating in different ways with new techniques and materials. It was fun to experiment with no commitment - you just rip the page out if you don't like it. The photo transfer technique inspired me to create several new collage pieces using my own photos.

– Kathy Johnson