Issue No. 19: February 2007

“Ship of Fools”
42” x 29”
Digital, Lithograph & Etching
2006

Singing

“Why do two colors, put one next to the other, sing? Can one really explain this?
No. Just as one can never learn how to paint.”
~Pablo Picasso

I still think making a painting is the most mysterious thing in the world. I also think it’s the most noble thing. It’s incredibly hopeless and contradictory. I still believe that painting, just by itself with no sympathy from anyone, can change the world, can move a grown up to cry.

I remember when I was a kid and I understood for the first time that respected, serioius adults could spend their lives making “art”, it was a revelation. That creating for the sake of creation, making up stuff to see what you could make up was an honorable pursuit.

For me it’s about having the freedom to search out like a scientist and discover the truth about something. To be able to wander and explore a world of ideas, images, and visual associations. It’s that act of looking for something interesting, funny, unspeakable; the finding of which changes how you see life forever.

The other thing I like about being an artist is there is no getting anywhere permanent with it. It’s not like you arrive somewhere and then you are done. You are always arriving and leaving at the same time. Picasso always hated the idea of progression. He never bought into his work getting better or worse. It was all just part of his personal exploration that was limitless and unknowable.

Picasso painted to live, really. He was afraid that if he ever quit painting he would die. And of course he did, but he painted to the end. What a noble
way to spend a life.


Miami

Kiki and I had a great time in Florida at the Art Basel: Miami Beach fair. We stayed in Miami Beach not far from the fair, which was everywhere. Over 1200 galleries in 13 different fairs, not even including the main act Art Basel in the Convention Center. But it was a lot of fun if not a bit overwhelming. It was like a big party and everyone was invited. There were galleries from all over the world.

Kiki and I both had work in the Bridge Art Fair. She was with Pentimenti Gallery and I was with Project Gallery.


Oh Canada!

I opened a show in Toronto at Edward Day Gallery in December. It was my third solo show with them. The show looked great. We called it “The Big Picture.” The gallery has moved to a new area of town, which is referred to as Lower Queen Street. The neighborhood has a great energy; it reminded me of Chelsea in Manhattan ten years ago. It’s interesting to see the dynamic of Toronto change as it does in American cities. Toronto has a wonderful, inventive edge to it always. It was great to work with the folks at Edward Day again. Thanks to Mary Sue, Kelly and the gang.


Stop the Press

The prints that Tandem Press and I collaborated on in Wisconsin last spring are finally ready for distribution. Two pieces were chosen for production, and there is an edition of 25 each. It was so interesting and exciting to experience so many printing techniques, and my hat is off to the skill of the printmakers.

Tandem will be featuring them in their newsletter this month, and will be showing them at all the art fairs. If you’d like to check out the work, you can find me on Tandem’s website: www.tandempress.wisc.edu .


Arctic Blast, Florida Heat

The northern parts of the country have finally felt the true grips of winter. I believe the wind chill read –11°F this morning, which makes me that much happier to be heading back to Florida later this weekend. I will be teaching a workshop at the Armory Art Center in West Palm Beach for five days. I’m looking forward to a change in the weather.

While in West Palm Beach, I will be having an exhibition of my artwork hosted by my friends Howard Koeppel and Mark Hsiao on the weekend of February 17th.


Baby on Board

For those of you who haven’t yet heard, Kiki and I are expecting a new baby due mid-March. We’re thrilled about the addition to our family. It’s definitely going to add to the dynamic of our household. Willie has bought me a new “family” cookbook, saying I need to start cooking less exotic foods. According to Will, babies don’t like spicy things.


I hope you’re all staying warm and having a productive winter.