Seth Apter's Blog, page 124

Go to the Gym

I am all about the collaboration. But for the first time since 2008, I am collaboration-free. Toward the end of last year I completed my last ongoing collaborative project and decided to take time off so that I could focus on my book. My hiatus will be far from permanent however, as I plan to begin several new collaborations later in 2012 - including one that I have been thinking about for many years.
In the mean time, my older collaborations continue to be the gifts that keep on giving. This past September my project with Bridgette Guerzon Mills and Jen Worden was exhibited at the Logan Square Art Center in Chicago. My collaboration with Sarah Whitmire is being featured in the current issue of Somerset Studio. A collaborative project that I completed with Jill Zaheer, and which has never been posted, will also soon be published. More details on that later this year.

And it thrills me to be able to announce that two of my collaborative projects will be featured in Collaborations , an exhibition at the Brooklyn Artists Gym opening on January 28. That show will feature:
Winds of Change, my project with Roxanne Evans Stout...

and Self Contained, my collaboration with Vivian Bonder and Stephanie McAtee.... 

An opening reception for the show will be held on Saturday, January 28 from 6-9pm. The exhibition runs through February 6. Brooklyn Artists Gym is located on 168 7th Avenue, 3rd Floor in Brooklyn NY. Call 718-858-9069 for more information. Hope to see you locals there!

Master Class 5: Familiar Faces

Welcome to the 5th edition of The Pulse -- The State of the Art -- a survey in words and pictures of the online artist community. The Pulse is a collaborative project that aims to introduce you to new artists, help you get to know familiar faces even more, and allow you access into the creative hearts and minds of a very talented crew of individuals. More than 130 artists have answered a series of questions which make up The Pulse. Their responses will be presented in a series of online posts which will run every Sunday.
Style File and Techniques & Tools were the first two projects posted and links to all 23 posts can be found on the sidebar of my blog. The third project, Master Class, continues now...

Participants were asked : 'If you could take a class from one artist from anytime in history, including the present, who would it be and why?'(Images and links have been added by The Altered Page)----------------------------------------------Chapter 5: Familiar Faces
Quite a number of the respondents chose artists who are an active part of our online artistic community. This was not surprising to me because each of these artists provide daily inspiration and many of them actually do give workshops. So maybe in 2012, some of these workshop dreams may just come true.
Theresa Plas chose Lynne Perrella "because I love her style, her books, her art and would love to experience a class with her energy and knowledge. Also because I know I can make it happen.


Jessica Walthall agrees. "No question, it would be Lynne Perrella. Her use of color and pattern astounds me. No matter how many times I view her amazing work, I can't figure out quite how she makes the magic that she does. Someday I hope to be able to take one of her workshops.

----------------------------------------------Judy Shea said "Right now, Anne Bagby. I am engrossed in her approach to collage by creating one of a kind papers with her own printing and color mixing methods. As you examine her finished pieces, they take you on a ride to examine all the layers she's put into them. They seem complicated, but watching her create them (on her DVDs) is compelling and straightforward at the same time. Amazing!
----------------------------------------------Billie's Craft Room selected Julie Prichard. "I love the expressive, fearless way she uses colour and different media in combination." Online workshops with Julie.

----------------------------------------------Svetlana Spasojevic chose three artists:

Raymond Papka...


Daniel Essig (workshops)...


and Dorothy Simpson Krause.



----------------------------------------------Katherine Labbe (AKA Miz Katie) selected Misty Mawn, adding "I have taken an online class with her. I can only imagine studying with her in person. Her work is pure soul work. Love her."



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Paula Bogdan "fell in love with Elizabeth Bunsen's (eb) journals a long time ago! Each and every time she posts pics of her journal pages, I spend hours lost in them, studying them, and wishing I could produce them. I admire her ability to recreate everyday magic with swirls of colors and bits and pieces of her everyday life. Pages vibrate with texture and color...soft or bold they always grab me. I think I could learn to let go of the rules and the need to produce "complicated" pages; I would love to learn how she uses the white spaces."
----------------------------------------------Rachel Whetzel would "love to take a class from Kerin Gale. She does some pretty amazing things with that resin clay of hers. I'm a hands on learner, and for the things I know I would like to learn to do with resin, I know it's going to take a teacher in person. I think Kerin would be JUST the woman for that job."



----------------------------------------------Roxanne Evans Stout may just be the first person on this list whose dream has already come true between the time she answered this question and this posting. Roxanne said "I have always wanted to take a class with Bridgette Guerzon Mills, and when I saw that she was coming to the Pacific Northwest I was thrilled. Now I am signed up for a workshop with her and can hardly wait. Her style and intuitiveness are both soft and strong. Her work is layered and mysterious and thought provoking to me." You can read about Roxanne's experience with Bridgette here.
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Luthien Thye picked Judy Wilkenfeld. "I love her altered books and the emotions they exude. They are poignant, but there is hope, feminine, yet not weak. I would love to be there to observe her thinking and creative processes as she creates. I think it would be like a dance!"

----------------------------------------------Humbly I add that Bleubeard and Elizabeth said that "honestly I would love to spend one day with you Seth. I have a love affair with rust and old peeling paint, and would like to learn how you get the patinas and various backgrounds you get."
----------------------------------------------Dawn DeVries Sokol is one lucky person based on her answer. "I can't think of any one person because I've already taken classes from many of my art journaling heroines, including Sabrina Ward Harrison, Teesha Moore, Anahata Katkin, and Pam Garrison. I've also taken workshops from many other amazing artists, such as Karen Michel, Carla Sonheim, Claudine Hellmuth, Lynn Whipple, Sas Colby, Lisa Engelbrecht, and Traci Bautista. Needless to say, I feel very fortunate."
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Next 'Master Class' will be held on Sunday, January 15th.

The Ink Pad

This arrived in my inbox this morning:

The Ink Pad is in New York City and I hope those of you who are near will be able to attend this day of creative exploration. Stay tuned for more details on my blog soon.

Master Class 4: Leonardo da Vinci

Welcome to the 5th edition of The Pulse -- The State of the Art -- a survey in words and pictures of the online artist community. The Pulse is a collaborative project that aims to introduce you to new artists, help you get to know familiar faces even more, and allow you access into the creative hearts and minds of a very talented crew of individuals. More than 130 artists have answered a series of questions which make up The Pulse. Their responses will be presented in a series of online posts which will run every Sunday.
Style File and Techniques & Tools were the first two projects posted and links to all 23 posts can be found on the sidebar of my blog. The third project, Master Class, continues now...

Participants were asked : 'If you could take a class from one artist from anytime in history, including the present, who would it be and why?'
(Images and links have been added by The Altered Page)
----------------------------------------------
Chapter 4: Leonardo da Vinci

Jill Zaheer aptly describes the breadth and depth of da Vinci's reach. "I would love to take a class from Leonardo da Vinci. He integrates the technical aspects of mathematics with the physics in his paintings while still expressing emotion and depth within all that he drew, painted and created. Da Vinci was a painter, sculptor, architect, musician, scientist, mathematician, engineer, inventor, geologist, anatomist, cartographer, botanist, writer and philosopher. To be able to interact and be a student of such a talented artist would be a life long gift."


Pam Carriker says "I would take a sketching class from Leonardo da Vinci. His techniques looks so simple but it's so detailed at the same time. I love the simple beauty of his sketches and could spend for hours on end practicing. It's something you would never be 'done' with, it would just go and on as you play with light, shading, and various drawing instruments."


David Hayes concurs. "It would have to be Leonardo da Vinci. Why? Why isn't that obvious! The man was a genius...to spend time with him discussing anything he wanted to would just be an amazing time. Even still, given my choice of topics I would want him to focus on his "process"...how he came up with his concepts...how he viewed life and translated this to his art. So much to learn from just this!"


Donna Joy feels that "it would be interesting to hear his thought process while he is creating something."


Stacey Merrill says "not only did he have an incredible eye, but he was a master of looking at things from a whole new perspective...and then coming up with a creative solution. His interests were so varied, you could be learning anything from figure drawing to mechanical engineering (+ everything in between) in his classroom."


For Lelainia N. Lloyd, "hands down, without a second of thought, I would have to say Leonardo da Vinci. Not only was the man a brilliant painter and sculptor, but he was also an architect, musician, scientist, mathematician, engineer, inventor, anatomist, philosopher, humanist, geologist, cartographer, botanist and writer (Can you say "Polymath"boys and girls?). He was a true visionary and one of the most brilliant minds of all time. Who wouldn't want the opportunity into his genius?"


Nelda Ream sums this all up very well. "The man was a genius. I would probably be so awestruck I couldn't say a word."
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Next "Master Class" will be held on Sunday, January 8th. 

There is Magic...

As 2011 turns into 2012 it feels to me as though time is speeding up. Because of that, I am doing my very best to make the most out of every precious minute that has been given to me. And I have been spending many of these moments lately reflecting on this past year and looking forward to the coming year. As always, life has brought both ups & downs, smiles & tears, and light & shadow. Throughout it all, my anchor has been art. And for that I feel lucky.
In this moment of transition, I want to thank you all for being there and joining me on this great adventure. Your support of my creative life never ceases to amaze me and I never take it for granted. I "feel the love" everyday and I cannot thank you enough for that.
There is magic to be found in the lives we are all living and I look forward to sharing many more magical moments with you in 2012.

Why?

When they ask why...

...I say why not?

Master Class 3: Jesse Reno

Welcome to the 5th edition of The Pulse -- The State of the Art -- a survey in words and pictures of the online artist community. The Pulse is a collaborative project that aims to introduce you to new artists, help you get to know familiar faces even more, and allow you access into the creative hearts and minds of a very talented crew of individuals. More than 130 artists have answered a series of questions which make up The Pulse. Their responses will be presented in a series of online posts which will run every Sunday.
Style File and Techniques & Tools were the first two projects posted and links to all 23 posts can be found on the sidebar of my blog. The third project, Master Class, continues now...

Participants were asked : 'If you could take a class from one artist from anytime in history, including the present, who would it be and why?'
(Images and links have been added by The Altered Page)
----------------------------------------------
Chapter 3: Jesse Reno


Quite a few of the participants chose artists from the present time, including many who are in our community and who currently do in fact offer workshops. Jesse Reno was one of the choices most frequently picked. 
"I would LOVE to go to a 5 day workshop with Jesse Reno in Mexico" said Jodi Ohl. "His work is extreme, intuitive, richly layered and contemporary. All things I hope my work is starting to become as I grow as an artist. I am looking for a benefactor, collector, or overall dream maker to help me get my wish!"

This was echoed by Patti Edmon who said "I believe my life would change if I had a chance to participate in Jesse Reno's workshop, preferably in Mexico. Jesse Reno, an 'outsider artist' based in Portland, OR, is totally different from me in most every way - life story, style of work, life style. But after watching his creative process I believe he defines artistic freedom, which is compelling albeit elusive."

Sharmon Davidson adds "I had to think about this one for a long time, but ultimately I decided that the artist who best exemplifies what's missing from my work is Jesse Reno. My goal for some time now has been to achieve that sense of childlike freedom - the sheer joy of mark-making that's so evident in his work. Picasso said it took him a whole lifetime to learn to draw like a child, and I think Jesse Reno clearly has mastered that."

Marcia Beckett said "I admire Jesse Reno's free style of painting. I have seen videos of him painting, but would love to watch him in person."
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I shared with Jesse that he was among those artists selected and that people were very passionate about and fascinated by his style. He was kind enough to answer a set of questions that I had for him and share his thoughts about his work, his workshops, and himself. 
Q: A number of people who said that they would choose you to be the artist they would want to take a class with used words such as free, freedom, freestyle, intuitive, and joyful to describe your style. Can you speak to this and describe how this sense of freedom developed?
A: my entire process is based on trying things that should work, the idea of destroying to let a piece be reborn, creating from abstractions and random colors guided by intention over direction. searching for meaning and visions in abstraction. changing direction when something feels no longer potent. choosing on feeling as much as visual aspects. not stop till you find meaning and a story that develops from the choices and decision you make throughout the creative process. noting your thoughts. and changing direction when they are no longer relevant. the idea of finding beauty in your mistakes rather than stress. it's about how and why you paint more than what. what should come from how and why. 

if you search for truth and have a meaningful engagement you will create something alive with purpose. this has always been the basis of my process. the evolution has been moving further and further towards finding a deeper connection and story within this act that is part clairvoyance, part magic, part learning, part painting, part understanding as well as an explanation of self growth and purpose.

Q: Is there a dream workshop that you would give if time/money/location/materials were unlimited?
A: i'd love to teach a workshop somewhere near or among ancient ruins, relics, etc. maybe on site of an archaeological location or maybe a workshop with day trips to the natural history museum or other anthropological museum. this is my biggest inspiration and connection within the art i create so it would be nice to draw a firm connection to that for students for inspirational and explanatory purposes. it is also my dream to exhibit in an environment like this or alongside contemporary native aboriginal artisans.

Q: How would you answer the same question...what artist (past or present) would you want to take a class with?
A: i'm not so interested in classes as i am very content with my path passion and creations. i would love to collaborate and create with the person who encouraged me to paint in the first place - chris giordani. his process and ideals are very similar in his work, his ethic and ideas, tons of emotion and expression in his work. when i first started painting we would collaborate or work in the same space 3x a week for a good year. the energy was just tops. it's not that i feel there's nothing to learn i just feel that inward is the direction of truth and personal growth. this is what i teach in my workshops and this is what i seek and at this point i don't really want to be distracted from my current path. as i'm chasing it like a fever everyday.

To learn more about Jesse, you can visit his website or blog. You can watch him create (a treat if you never have) here.
Thanks for taking the time Jesse to share these thoughts with the readers of The Altered Page. 

Let Nature Appear

Many moons ago, Sarah Whitmire and I embarked on a collaborative art project based on the theme of nature. We both created our own handmade and handbound books, which we traded back and forth over the course of three years. We each worked in both books and challenged ourselves even more by working on top of each other's work -- a true collaborative effort.  The end result was two books, each filled with artwork and memories.

Happily, our books are being featured in the January/February issue of Somerset Studio.



let nature appear

like no other feeling, like no other soundthe rush of the wind, the pulse of the ground
elixer, intention, a spontaneous spacea sense of adventure, a majestic embrace
light and enchanting, a plumage so warmdark and encumbered, in shadow and form
by design it will stream, it will soar, it will flythe power of forests, the freedom of sky
there is rain, there is thunder, it is second to noneadrift and asunder, it can't be undone
transition will follow the edge of a breezeand times we cannot see the woods for the trees
the call of the wild, the answer so clearthe echo of time, both rich and austerethe story is written, let nature appear

Your Blog, Your Way: Part 9

Ninth post in my series on Create Mixed Media.
"Simply put, you become more creative with your blog (and with everything else) when you become more yourself, when you are open to being vulnerable and to sharing your ideas, your beliefs, and your creative energy, and when you stop listening to the voices that say you shouldn't and you can't."
Read more here...

Master Class 2: Cornell & Rauschenberg

Welcome to the 5th edition of The Pulse -- The State of the Art -- a survey in words and pictures of the online artist community. The Pulse is a collaborative project that aims to introduce you to new artists, help you get to know familiar faces even more, and allow you access into the creative hearts and minds of a very talented crew of individuals. More than 130 artists have answered a series of questions which make up The Pulse. Their responses will be presented in a series of online posts which will run every Sunday.
Style File and Techniques & Tools were the first two projects posted and links to all 23 posts can be found on the sidebar of my blog. The third project, Master Class, continues now...

Participants were asked : 'If you could take a class from one artist from anytime in history, including the present, who would it be and why?'
(Images and links have been added by The Altered Page)
----------------------------------------------
Chapter 2: Cornell and Rauschenberg
Many of the classes would be crowded, as there were quite a few artists who were selected by multiple participants in the survey. Today's post highlights two American artists, each of whom came to prominence in the 1950s, worked innovatively with collage and sculpture, and used found objects in their work: Joseph Cornell and Robert Rauschenberg.

Joseph Cornell

"Beauty should be shared for it enhances our joys. To explore its mystery is to venture towards the sublime"

"That's easy" said Rebeca Trevino. "Joseph Cornell for sure, and maybe not a class but rather an afternoon walk around New York City, to the places he used to go. I would like to talk with him about his art. I would like to get an idea of how he put things together, in his head, in his thoughts, and in his art. I would like to get a glimpse of how he selected the papers and objects he collected for his work. Later, maybe we would have time to visit his studio, and work on an art piece together.


Pat Pitingolo chose Cornell "because I would love to learn how he incorporates the magic into his art. Watching him assemble a piece of box art would be fascinating and hearing his thoughts behind the process would hopefully lead to insight into what makes his art so timeless and poetic.

Anne M. Huskey-Lockard chose Cornell noting that "his boxes are so ordered but intriguing; I would love to know the how's and why's of content selection. Was it random? Was there hidden meaning? How did he choose?"


These thoughts were echoed by Amy Duncan who said "Since I consider myself a collage artist, Joseph Cornell certainly comes to mind - he was one of the first to organize found objects into an artistic arrangement. It would have been interesting to hear his insights on what he gathered and how he determined the process in constructing his pieces."


Cornell was also the artist of choice from Pam McKnight. "I love the interesting bits and pieces he put together and how he got his inspiration from walking around in NYC." She added "I grew up in NJ but moved out west at an early age and wished I could have spent some time in the NYC art scene."

detail

Darlene AkA HugGer Wilkinson went right to the heart of the matter with her choice of Cornell, saying "he worked with assemblage creations and they are simple with wonderful composition."
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Robert Rauschenberg

"I think a painting is more like the real world if it's made out of the real world."

Robert Stockton said "I am always amazed and inspired by the fact that he is a master at taking the seemingly mundane and trivial aspects of his environment, and, through his art, transform this ephemera in such a way that the viewer begins to experience the everyday objects that he or she encounters in his or her own environment differently. He introduces us to ourselves, and I think that that is what is the strength of Bob Rauschenberg. We learn about ourselves through him. Yes! Give me that kind of teacher!"


Dorothy Simpson Krause "would love to have been able to work with Rauschenberg not only because he was a master at making powerful work by inventively combining photographs and found objects but also for his spirit of exploration and collaboration."

detail

Eric Adama "would have a look over the shoulder of Robert Rauschenberg, especially while working on his early works." Eric also adds Antonio Tapies and Cy Twombly (two of my favorites as well) to his list.


Laura Lein-Svencner would also take "a class with Rauschenberg, because of his ability to stick to his visual voice." She also included Jasper Johns on her list to, noting "I love his gray series and the use of the letters."

detail

Kim Logan says "I would have loved to have taken instruction from Rauschenberg. The time that he was most prolific as an artist was one of the most exciting times in the history of art. His influential friends and colleagues were testament to his energy and talent. I would have seen it as a privilege to have heard some stories of the time, and learned from a master.
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Next "Master Class" will be held on Sunday, December 25th.