Category: Get Your Art On

The Pursuit of Radness

I love Marc Johns.  He’s an illustrator based in Victoria, BC and I just can’t seem to get enough of his work.  I have his illustrations on my business cards (which always elicit a response from prospective clients), I love flipping through his book, and I follow his work on his website/blog.

So I was pretty thrilled to see his contribution to the Twitter/Etsy Artist Series.  Entitled “The Pursuit of Radness”, Johns’ piece is available as a free download to save as wallpaper for your computer screen, iPhone, iPod, or iPad.  Apparently Johns thinks that’s what 2011 should be all about – the pursuit of the rad.  I like it.

[via DesignWorkLife]

Julian Schnabel at the AGO

On Saturday I went to see the Julian Schnabel exhibit at the AGO.  It was fantastic.  I haven’t enjoyed an art exhibit like this in a long time.  I think it was the scale of his paintings that really appealed to me – most of his pieces are over 20 feet tall!

The exhibit is on until January 2, 2011.  I recommend you check it out before it’s gone.

Drama and Desire at the AGO

While you’re reading this, I’m at the AGO.  (unless you’re reading this later than when it’s posted, in which case I’m probably back at my desk)

A few months ago, after returning from New York full of arty inspiration, Kinnon and I got memberships to the AGO.  Which means we can go anytime for free, and we get into exhibits before the general public.  So this morning we’re checking out the new “Drama and Desire” exhibit at the gallery.  (going to the art gallery during normal business hours is a perk of the freelance lifestyle)

For two people that met in Theatre School, I really can’t think of a more perfect exhibit.  But somehow I’m a bit skeptical that it could be cornball.  I’ll let you know when I get back.

Update: Yeah, the exhibit was just okay.  I think for people that didn’t spend 4 years studying the connection between visual art and theatre, this would be really mind-blowing.  But I didn’t find it all that enlightening.  But I did get to see the Palm Sunday installation, and that made it all worthwhile.

Road Trip: Fallingwater

fallingwaterhouse

Ian and I are taking the day off on Friday and heading out on a little long-weekend road trip.  The Canadian dollar is basically on-par with the American dollar, so shopping in the States is a really good deal right now.  And it works best if you stay away for 48 hours, so your limit on what you can bring back into the country is much higher.

We’re going to hit up the Grove City outlet mall near Erie, Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania doesn’t have sales tax = amazing deals).  And then we’ll also hit up Tar-jay and the Walden Galleria in Buffalo.  But 48-hours of shopping is a LOT.  So what to do in between our sprees of rabid consumption?  See some art and architecture, of course!

On Saturday, we’ll head to Fallingwater, Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpiece.  It’s just south of Pittsburgh, and really not that far a drive.  I’m surprised I’ve never been before.  Built for a private family between 1936 and 1939, the house is now a National Historic Landmark.  We’re going to take a tour through the inside and outside of the house, and I’m so pumped.  The house is built over a 30 foot waterfall.  It is so gorgeous.  And Wright designed everything, right down to the furniture.

The Fallingwater website is awesome – especially their multimedia “explore” section.  You can learn all about the house, the family that commissioned it, and Frank Lloyd Wright himself.  And check out the Fallingwater webcam!  If you look between 12 and 1 PM on Saturday, you might just see me standing there.

Art History the way it’s supposed to be

I love visual art.  I like to go to art museums.  Often I see stuff that I remember learning in school.  And I kind of remember why it’s important, or what the piece is all about.  But sometimes I forget, or I don’t know… and that’s where SmartHistory comes in.  It’s a website that knocks the socks off any art history text book.  Forget words – this site is loaded with video, images, a blog, and lively discussions.

If you thought you didn’t understand art, or maybe you’re intimidated by it, check out SmartHistory.  It was created by some real smarty pants artsy types.  They know what they’re talking about.   Watch and learn.  And enjoy!