This Blog Isn't Just About Art

Jell-O has been around since 1904. Pineapple Rice Jell-O Sponge Cake and Macaroon Velvet Jell-O Pudding were hugely popular desserts in the early 1900's. In fact, Jell-O salads were also popular at that time. Just imagine the taste sensations of Jell-O Salad with Shrimp and Orange, Jell-O with Steamed Spinach, and Tuna Fish Jell-O!

Here is the recipe for the award winning Tropical Dessert:

1 package Lemon Jell-O
1 pint boiling water
6 figs, finely chopped
12 dates, finely chopped
1 banana, thinly sliced
Dissolve Jell-O in boiling water. Chill. When slightly thickened, add fruits. Turn into mold Chill until firm. Unmold. Serve with whipped cream. Serves 8.

A Very Bright Full Moon Tonight...

May it shine brightly on you all.

A New Publication About Prints

I am excited to discover a new publication about prints, called Art in Print. It's first issue is free and can be downloaded from their website. After that, access to a PDF version is through subscription which is $50 for six issues a year. Sadly, no printed version is available at this point - it is all online. Probably a great money saving format, of course, but sort of ironic for a publication about prints not to be printed.

Nonetheless, the first issue looks great. Articles include an interesting interview with Deborah Wye, who for thirty-one years until she recently retired, was the Chief Curator of Prints and Illustrated Books at the print collection at the Museum of Modern Art.

In Honor of Today's Political Protests Everywhere

A current exhibition at MOMA called Impressions from South Africa: 1965 to Now focuses on protest posters made by artists in response to apartheid. MOMA's website includes the following description of the vital role of printmaking in that movement:

"During the oppressive years of apartheid rule in South Africa, not all artists had access to the same opportunities. But far from quashing creativity, these limited options gave rise to a host of alternatives—including studios, print workshops, art centers, schools, publications, and theaters open to all races; underground poster workshops and collectives; and commercial galleries that supported the work of black artists—that made the art world a progressive environment for social change. Printmaking, with its flexible formats, portability, relative affordability, and collaborative environment, was a catalyst in the exchange of ideas and the articulation of political resistance."


Here are some prints from the exhibition: 

 You Have Struck a Rock, 1981

Medu Art Ensemble

screenprint

 Workers Rights in a New South Africa, 1989

artist uncredited; publisher: Congress of South African Trade Unions

offset-printed sticker

Witch Hunt, 1988

Norman Catherine

one from a series of four drypoints with watercolor

 Meeting of Two Cultures, 1993

Sandile Goje

linoleum cut

You can view the online MOMA exhibition here and buy the excellent catalog here.

SoCal's June Gloom Season

This time of year, mornings are cool and overcast. The sun might peek out in the afternoon, but only for a while. I love this weather! Great for walking. And, somehow, the cloudiness enhances the terrific summer color.

Sophie's Take on the Studio Tour

Unimpressed. He is still disgruntled about all those visitors interrupting his routine and nap time.

Hello Again! It's Nice to Be Back.

It's been a busy few months, culminating in last weekend's Mid-City Studio Tour in Long Beach. And what a great weekend it was! We all thought it was a success - perfect weather, lots of visitors to each studio, happy encounters, good conversations, sales. I loved having the help again this year of my artist niece, Susan Stromquist, who flew in from Philadelphia.

There is something very special about showing off a creative work space not often open for view. A  studio is normally a private place where an artist can relax with ideas, experiments, processes, failures and successes - a place of many internal conversations. So, to open it up to friends and strangers is quite a change of pace. But there is a sweet reward for all the organizing, cleaning, preparations - the pride of presenting to others one's own art on one's own studio walls in one's very own personal space.

Here are a few pictures:

Entryway to my studio 

My studio, all dressed up.

Another view of my studio

A third view including my etching press

Susan at the studio door

Gail Werner with one of her encaustic monoprints.

JoAnne Berke stands next to the display of her jewelry.

Carol Roemer stands in her studio.

Gisele and Kim Hocking at Greenley Art Space.

John Montich in front of his photo works.

The artists' after-party in Slater Barron's back yard on Sunday evening

CiCi, an art enthusiast.