January 24, 2009

Happy New Year! Despite the messy financial news all around us, may this year be a good one for many things, including art.

I've been procrastinating about this blog for several weeks, unsure how to get started. Then I realized this is like starting a new project in the studio when I've got a broad idea about what I want to do, but no clear picture of the first step. Usually, if I try experimenting with images and tools, one thing usually leads to another. And, so, I'll start that way here.

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There is great show at the Hammer in L.A.. The exhibition, Oranges and Sardines, includes the work of six contemporary artists along side work by artists whom they considered especially influential. I saw the show with two artists friends and we decided to do a similar exercise. We'll meet again in a month to share our lists.

For me, three come easily to mind: Paul Klee, for his quirky transfer drawings; Hon'ami Koetsu, a 17th century Japanese artists, for his innovative printing techniques; and Agnes Martin, who said that making art gave her joy and a sense of well-being. I feel the same way about art.

Who are your most influential artists and why?

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My screenprinting class is off to a good start this semester. It is a large group - almost 40 students. It's always interesting to find out why people sign up for the class. A survey taken on the first day revealed this semester's most popular reasons: wanting to learn how to print t-shirts (of course!) and clothing, making textile art and fine art on paper, for advertising a band, fo making posters, and making things to sell. One person mentioned wanting to make wall paper designs. Answers to other questions showed that many students like taking photographs, but a larger number like to draw. (Both of these methods work well with screenprinting.) I expected to find out that most students knew a lot about Photoshop, but the opposite was true.