Tag: art

Expressions through painting

On a more personal note, I consider myself first and foremost a writer even though I came into the game in my later years but as most people, I kept journals while growing up. I also took art classes and joined my school’s choir for a couple of years and in college, I took art and music appreciation. Art has always been a big part of who I am.  I have always known I have an artistic eye, whether drawing or writing. As far as writing is concerned, I have had some of my poetry published and I enjoy blogging to keep people connected and informed.

Now during this pandemic, when most people are spending more time at home, I found myself with more time on my hands. In July, my husband and I made the choice to relocate to my hometown in the Rio Grande Valley, Los Fresnos to be more specific.  I left my job to do this big move and to have more time to do the necessary renovations to our new home. This was the perfect time to dive into painting and put into canvas the many images I have clogging up my head.  I have done several already and submitted a couple to local art shows and now I want to share them here.

This most recent one does not have a title yet, but that is okay, not all of them must have a title to make an impact. I have always believed in the duality of life: good/bad, yin/yang, etc.  This is my version of it; I already painted a self-portrait, so this is similar in a way. I have always had dreams where I am flying and for anyone who has never had one, they feel awesome. The feeling of flying and freedom that comes with it is exhilarating, so I am obsessed with wings. This is me, a brown-eyed woman with wings and a big heart. The wings are pink/blue to represent the male/female side of me and the squiggly lines around the whole thing, well, they represent the bloodlines in the heart.

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Television adaptation: ‘Tales From the Loop’ by Simon Stålenhag

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Tales From the Loop is available on Amazon Prime. Photo: google

Simon Stålenhag is a Swedish artist, musician and designer specializing in retro-futuristic digital images focused on nostalgic Swedish countryside alternate history environments. Most of Stålenhag’s artwork was initially only available online but was later released for sale as prints. Since then, it has been turned into two narrative art books, “Tales From the Loop” in 2014 and “Things From the Flood” in 2016. Both focus on the construction of a supermassive particle accelerator called the Loop. The settings of his artwork have formed the basis for the Amazon television drama series Tales From the Loop. All eight episodes of the first season were released simultaneously April 3 on Amazon Prime Video.

Tales From the Loop science fiction drama television series based on Simon Stålenhag’s art book. It explores the mind bending adventures of the people who live above the Loop, a machine built to unlock and explore the mysteries of the universe. The machine is now making possible what was once considered science fiction. It stars Rebecca Hall as Loretta, Tyler Barnhardt as Danny Jansson and Daniel Zohlgadri as Jakob.

I have not read the book, but after watching the first two episodes, it is understandable why Amazon calls it “perfect for fans of E.T. and Stranger Things.” The series is set in the 80s and has that nostalgic look and feel that has recently become popular. With science fiction themes like time traveling, body swapping and robots, it appeals to fans of The Twilight Zone who appreciate mind-bending stories.

According to Amazon, “Tales From the Loop” is the first narrative artbook from acclaimed author and artist Simon Stålenhag about a fictionalized suburban town in the 1980s inhabited by fantastic machines and strange, imaginative beasts. In 1954, the Swedish government ordered the construction of the world’s largest particle accelerator. The facility was complete in 1969, located deep below the pastoral countryside of Mälaröarna. The local population called this marvel of technology The Loop. These are its strange tales. From the same author who wrote the imaginative artbook The Electric State, this “haunting,” (The Verge) “sophisticated sci-fi” (The Nerdist) follows the bizarre stories from otherworldly creatures and is a page-turner readers will not be able to put down.

North Star Mall boots celebrate 40 years

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The North Star Mall boots celebrates 40 years this month.  In honor of the artist, Bob “Daddy O” Wade, a commemorative limited edition Fiesta medal will be out in February.  Photo: North Star Mall, used with permission.

The adage that everything in Texas is bigger and better is best illustrated by the massive cowboy boot sculpture that adorns North Star Mall’s northern face. The “World’s Largest Cowboy Boots” sculpture stands an impressive 35-feet, three inches tall, 30-feet long, nine–feet wide and weighs in at 10,000 pounds. (North Star Mall, 2019)

Artist Bob “Daddy O” Wade was 36 years old in 1979 when he was contacted by the Washington Project for the Arts out of Washington, DC to create a Texas-themed sculpture to be featured in an empty lot, mere blocks from the White House. Built on site, Wade created two structures that in 2016 became Guinness World Record-certified Cowboy Boots – the largest such sculpture in the world. Approximately forty feet high and thirty feet long, the boots are made of tubular steel sprayed with polyurethane foam. Wade is known for several other giant creations, including a 40-foot long iguana that now sits atop the Ft. Worth Zoo, dancing frogs that can be found on the roof of a Taco Cabana in Dallas and a 70-foot high saxophone in Houston, among others.

Shortly after its creation, a bidding war ensued between a company in Houston and The Rouse Company, then owners of North Star mall, who purchased the landmark for $20,000. Getting them from DC to San Antonio is a story that includes getting stuck under an overpass. From that point on the truck drivers responsible for moving the boots took back roads all the way to Texas.

The World’s Largest Cowboy Boots is celebrating its 40th anniversary in January. They have become iconic – used in commercials and highlighted in every San Antonio event that garners state and national attention. According to Wade, they’ve even been the subject of a master’s thesis – a fitting study for boots that have earned their place in Texas culture.

“The North Star Mall family was deeply saddened to learn of Bob Wade, artist of the World’s Largest Cowboy Boots, passing on Christmas Eve.  In his honor and memory, we are creating a commemorative Fiesta Medal that will be available in February. Please check our website and Facebook page for details. The Boots, much like the artist who made them, are larger than life and have a special place in San Antonio’s heart. Bob will always be an important part of North Star Mall history; may Bob’s legacy live on through his sculptures.” Brenda Crawford, Sr. General Manager, North Star Mall

Chuck Ramirez: All This and Heaven Too at McNay Art Museum

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Chuck Ramirez: All This and Heaven Too opens at the McNay Art Museum on Thursday September 14 and will be on display through January 14, 2018.  Photo: McNay Art Museum, used with permission.

Chuck Ramirez was a San Antonio artist and graphic designer whose work includes prints and sculptural installations. His pieces revolve around everyday life and allude to ethnicity, gender, sexuality and religion. This month, the McNay Art Museum presents Chuck Ramirez: All This and Heaven Too to honor the life and career of the iconic San Antonio artist. His large-scale photographs of everyday objects offer a perspective on cultural consumption and waste and the reality of fleeting life and mortality. The exhibition opens on Thursday September 14 and will run until Sunday January 14, 2018. Museum hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10a.m. to 4p.m., Thursday from 10a.m. to 9p.m., Saturday from 10a.m. to 5p.m. and Sunday from 12p.m. to 5p.m. Admission prices are available online.  (McNay Art Museum, 2017)

Ramirez was inspired by opposing themes like life and death and humor and despair. His art explores a personal narrative including his San Antonio upbringing, Mexican-American heritage and HIV status. The exhibition consists of works like Santos, Trash Bag, Quarantine and Seven Days and all explore the human experience. It is co-organized by René Paul Barilleaux, the McNay’s Head of Curatorial Affairs and Hilary Schroeder, 2016-17 Semmes Foundation Intern in Museum Studies. The presentation includes photographs from approximately 20 of Ramirez’ series, Bean & Cheese, a recreation of one of the artist’s early exhibitions at Artpace San Antonio, examples of video and installation work, nine decorated Christmas trees the artist made for friend and patron Linda Pace and other unique artworks.

Visitors will have several chances to interact with the exhibition with Christmas Tree trimming, alternative selfies and sharing about first jobs and dream jobs. Interactive stations include Tree Trimming – decorate a tree with Chuck Ramirez-inspired objects; Check Your Baggage – take an alternate self-portrait, or picture of something personal, at this overhead photography station using the hashtag #checkyourbaggage and Dream Job – visitors can identify their first job, current job and dream job as a way of drawing a line between artist and visitor using the hashtag #mcnaydreaming.

During the Día de los Muertos season, visitors are invited to celebrate and remember loved ones by adding paper marigolds, the traditional Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) flower, to a site-specific altar in the Museum lobby. The McNay’s Día de los Muertos altar, created by artist Carmen Oliver, honors Chuck Ramirez (1964–2010) and will be on display from October 26 through November 5, 2017.

McNay Art Museum
6000 N New Braunfels Ave
San Antonio, TX 78209
(210) 824-5368

Artpace previews International Artist-in-Residence exhibition

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Artpace will he holding a preview of their International Artist-in-Residence exhibition on Tuesday June 13. Photo: Artpace, used with permission.

Artpace is proud to announce the Summer 2017 Open Studios preview of their International Artist-in-Residence exhibition. The current artists are Christie Blizard from San Antonio, Texas, Rolando Lopez from Aguascalientes, Mexico and Kang Seung from Los Angeles, California and the public is invited to come and learn more about their process and their work. The studio will be having a reception on Tuesday June 13 from 6p.m. to 8p.m. with a discussion with the artists about their work. This event is free and open to the public and guests will be able to enjoy bites and beverages on the Artpace rooftop. (Artpace, 2017)

Christie Blizard’s works blend painting, poetry and performance. Recent venues include the McNay Art Museum and The Epitome Institute in San Antonio, the School of Visual Arts and The Painting Center in New York and the 1708 Gallery in Richmond. She has also been selected for residencies at Anderson Ranch, MacDowell Artist Colony, SIM Artist in Residency Program and Centraltrack. Her work has been featured in Art News, Hyperallergic, Blouin ArtInfo and Art in America.

Rolando Lopez’s work include public intervention, performance, installation, photography and sculpture with toxic waste from industrial processes. For past work, he generated a body of work from historical events that took place in his town of Aguascalientes, Mexico at the end of the 19th century.

Kang Seung is a multidisciplinary artist who was born in South Korea and now lives and works in Los Angeles. He received an MFA from the California Institute of the Arts. Kang has had solo exhibitions at Commonwealth and Council, Pitzer College Art Galleries, Los Angeles Contemporary Archive, Centro Cultural Border and group exhibitions at LAXART, Weatherspoon Art Museum at UNCG, SOMArts and Raymond Gallery at Art Center College of Design. His work has been reviewed in Artforum, The New York Times, Artnet Magazine, LA Weekly, Hyperallergic and KCET Artbound.

Artpace is a contemporary art space located in downtown San Antonio created to support artists with residences, exhibitions and educational programs to foster the creative process. Since it opened in 1995 Artpace has housed more than 200 artists through the International Artist-in-Residence program. Every year the program hosts three residencies that include a Texas-based artist, one national artist and one international artist who are each chosen by a guest curator. After an eight-week residency, the artists have their exhibits on site for two months. The purpose of these residencies is to give artists every opportunity to grow by giving them the resources they need.

Artpace
445 North Main Avenue
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 212-4900

Lecture brunch with Julieta Gonzalez at Artpace

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Artpace will host a lecture brunch with Julieta Gonzalez on Sunday April 9, 2017.  Photo: google

Artpace is having its 22nd annual gala celebration in April  which will honor Carla Stellweg and Eugenio López and as part of the activities scheduled, there will be an exclusive lecture on Sunday April 9, 2017. Julieta González, the Artistic Director of the Museo Jumex, an internationally respected contemporary art museum in Mexico City, will be onsite to discuss contemporary art and the public.  Topics will include the first three years of the museum and insight into the current state of contemporary art in Mexico City and beyond. This is a ticketed event and will include a light brunch. Thanks to the generous support of Artpace donors and members, ticket prices for this event are $15 in advance, $10 for members available online and $20 at the door. Doors open at 12p.m. and the lecture will begin at 1p.m. and will run until 3p.m. (Artpace, 2017)

Artpace is a non-profit contemporary art organization that includes residencies, exhibitions and educational and community programs. Since it opened in 1995 Artpace has housed more than 200 artists through the International Artist-in-Residence program. Every year they host three residencies that include a Texas-based artist, one national artist and one international artist who are each chosen by a guest curator. After an eight week residency the artists will have their exhibits on site for two months. The purpose of these residencies is to give artists every opportunity to grow by giving them the resources they need

Artpace
445 North Main Avenue
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 212-4900

Free admission to San Antonio Museum of Art for Spring Break

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The San Antonio Museum of Art is offering free general admission on Tuesday March 14, 2017.  Photo: google

Spring break is coming up soon and the San Antonio Museum of Art is making it easy for families to spend time together. On Tuesday March 14 from 10a.m. to 9p.m. the Museum is having free general admission with planned fun activities throughout the day. (San Antonio Museum of Art, 2017)

Guests will be able to take part in Pattern Palooza, a festival of art activities with painting, drawing and collage from noon to 4p.m. Children can spin records and learn more about digital music with the AM Project Bass Bus, an arts and digital program for children. At 5:30p.m. there will be a guided tour of the exhibition Of Country and Culture: The Lam Collection of Contemporary Aboriginal Art where visitors can learn more about Aboriginal people’s culture and art. There is a $10 surcharge for adults 18 years and up to see this exhibition. Local artist Terry Ybanez will be in the Museum galleries from 6p.m. to 8p.m. and guests will be able to join in the fun and sketch along with him for $10. To finish off the day there will be a sundown screening of Rabbit-Proof Fence (PG), a 2002 Australian drama film about the Stolen Generation. Throughout the day guests will be able to enjoy food from on-site food trucks including Cajun specialties from Cajun on da Geaux, tacos from Hot Burras and festival food from Drake’s Fun Food Truck.

San Antonio Museum of Art
200 W Jones Avenue
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 978-8100

Of Country and Culture exhibit at San Antonio Museum of Art

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Of Country and Culture: The Lam Collection of Contemporary Australian Aboriginal Art exhibit opens Friday February 24 at the San Antonio Museum of Art. Photo: San Antonio Museum of Art, used with permission.

This Friday February 24 the San Antonio Museum of Art will open its newest exhibit to the public. Titled Of Country and Culture: The Lam Collection of Contemporary Australian Aboriginal Art this exhibit comes from a collection gifted to the Museum by longtime supporters May and Victor Lam. It is generously supported by the Robert J Kleberg, Jr and Helen C Kleberg Foundation, the Alice Kleberg Reynolds Foundation and May and Victor Lam and will be on view through May 14, 2017. There is a $10 surcharge for this exhibit. (San Antonio Museum of Art, 2017)

Of Country and Culture includes approximately 75 works on view and it explores the contemporary application of Aboriginal artistic traditions. It features everything from sand paintings to body paintings and grave poles used as a way to connect cultural ties to land, heritage and visual communication. The Aboriginal people have inhabited Australia for thousands of years and are one of the earliest civilizations. Art has always played a significant role in their culture with the oldest surviving examples of Aboriginal art being  cave paintings and rock engravings that are 40,000 years old. They predate the cave paintings at Lascaux in present-day France and Altamira in present day Spain. The Lams’ enthusiasm for contemporary Aboriginal art began when they visited the Spirit Country exhibit at the Museum in 2000. Inspired by the works, May Lam and her daughter Dorothy traveled to Australia and during their trip they collected an impressive representation of contemporary indigenous art that ranges from the mid-1990s to 2007.

San Antonio Museum of Art
200 West Jones Avenue
San Antonio, TX 78215
(210) 978-8100

New exhibitions at Artpace

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Artpace has new exhibitions now on display through April 30, 2017. Photo: google

Artpace is a contemporary art space located in downtown San Antonio created to support artists with residences, exhibitions and educational programs to foster the creative process. With the new year Artpace is proud to present a series of special exhibitions and events. Michelle Grabner, Spring 2017 Residency Guest Curator, has selected three artists from the Texas Open Call list to showcase their work for the Spring 2017 Hudson Showroom. The exhibition is titled Did You Ever See Such A Thing As A Drawing Of A Muchness? and will include artists Natasha Bowdoin, Harold Mendez and Rodrigo Valenzuela. It will be on exhibit from January 26 through April 30, 2017. Doors open at 6p.m. and admission is free and open to the public with complimentary drinks and appetizers on the Artpace Rooftop. (Artpace, 2017)

The gallery space formerly known as Window Works has been renamed Main Space for its location in downtown San Antonio and will showcase local artists. The first exhibit on this new space will feature San Antonio artist Benjamin McVey who will relocate his studio for the exhibition titled Open and will be on display from January 26 through April 30, 2017.

Artpace is a non-profit contemporary art organization that includes residencies, exhibitions and educational and community programs. Since it opened in 1995 Artpace has housed more than 200 artists through the International Artist-in-Residence program. Every year they host three residencies that include a Texas-based artist, one national artist and one international artist who are each chosen by a guest curator. After an eight week residency the artists will have their exhibits on site for two months. The purpose of these residencies is to give artists every opportunity to grow by giving them the resources they need.

Artpace
445 N Main Avenue
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 212-4900

Last Rooftop Jazz Concert of the Year

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The last Rooftop Jazz Concert of the year is this Friday November 18 at Artpace. Photo courtesy of Artpace, used with permission. 

Artpace is a contemporary art space located in downtown San Antonio created to support artists with residences, exhibitions and educational programs to foster the creative process. In a combined effort with local jazz station KRTU Jazz 91.7, Artpace is bringing the final installment of their Members Only Rooftop Jazz Concert Series this week. This series aims to bring together members of Artpace and KRTU to celebrate art and jazz. These concerts highlight a particular jazz theme celebrating historical figures and styles performed by local and regional artists. Guests are able to mingle while enjoying a night of jazz and drinks.

This week’s concert will take place on Friday November 18 from 8p.m. to 11p.m.  In a night of Jazz Meets Motown, there will be a live soul and jazz performance by Bill King Quintet featuring vocalist Michelle Garibay of PM Soul.  They will perform classics by Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and Gladys Knight & the Pips. Food and drinks will be provided by Alamo Beer, Pedernales Cellars and Pinch Crawfish Kitchen.  Art performers will include video projectionist Chris Jackson and DJ Chris Galvan will provide the background music for dancing the night away. The event is open and free to KRTU and Artpace members only.  Various levels of memberships are available starting at $35.  More information on memberships is available online.  (Artpace, 2016)

Since it opened in 1995 Artpace has housed more than 200 artists through the International Artist-in-Residence program. Every year they host three residencies that include a Texas-based artist, one national artist and one international artist who are each chosen by a guest curator. After an eight week residency the artists will have their exhibits on site for two months. The purpose of these residencies is to give artists every opportunity to grow by giving them the resources they need.

Artpace
445 North Main Avenue
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 212-4900