The Building Arts and Preservation

http://architecturesection.blogspot.com/2011/02/baroque-preservation-english-mansion.html
to my creative artisan friends - I insert his link to start a discussion. When does preservation start? When is it cannibalism? What is the function of museums in preservation and presentation of architecture?
Just thinking out loud tonight.

The Sudan Canvas Project

Artists can make a contribution of art to raise awareness of the genocide in Sudan as well as fund trade education for the women of Ariang and surrounding villages. Follow the link for information about how to participate in The Sudan Canvas Project.

Read more about Hope for Ariang.


Image: Stephanie Davis, Trumbull, CT
Thanks to Margaret Von Kaenel, decorative painter, for information about this opportunity.

R. Crumb "the greatest of them all"

"Hogarth, Grosz, the Fleisher brothers, Tex Avery, Charles Addams, et cetera are great artists. And so is R. Crumb. In certain ways, he may be the greatest of them all."

—Jim Jarmusch, The Life and Times of R. Crumb (St. Martin's Press)Robert Crumb (b. 1943) is considered the premiere underground comix artist of his generation.

With only a smattering of issues and titles such as Zap, Motor City, Head Comics, and Despair, Crumb deconstructed the american comic book, revolutionizing the form forever. Over four decades later, his impact continues to be felt worlwide. This retrospective, curated by Monte Beauchamp, editor of The Life and Times of R. Crumb (St. Martin's Press), presents key pieces culled from the underground art collection of Eric Sack, with contributions from Paul Morris and John Lautemann.

American City, St. Louis Architecture: Three Centuries of Classic Design

DailyRFT.com reports on a new book by Robert Sharoff, journalist, and William Zbaren, photographer, that features examples of St. Louis architecture that reflect the city's classicism. "St. Louis is one of the most classical cities in America," Sharoff says. Zbaren describes the Eads Bridge as "the Eiffel Tower of the Midwest." The coffee table book is reported to be the first monograph on St. Louis architecture since the 1920s and is now available at Left Bank Books.

Photo: The intake tower at the Chain of Rocks bridge serves as the cover image for Robert Sharoff and William Zbaren's new book about St. Louis architecture.

Next Artisans' meeting, Jim Motto, Feb 10

Jim Motto began his career as a photographer. He became a wood-worker 12 years ago. Now much of his work is custom cabinetry: bookcases, kitchens, entertainment centers, vanities, tables, desks, and credenzas. Jim Motto also carves wooden vessels that feature exquisite ebony black finishes as well as wooden boxes and candle holders. Motto states “I made my first box years ago from a small piece of cocobola that caught my eye at the local hardwoods dealer. Now, many boxes later, I am still intrigued with their blend of whimsy and mystery.” Jim’s craftsmanship and artistry are evident in all his work. He will speak about his wood-working at the next Artisans’ section meeting, Thursday, Feb. 13, 7pm. All are welcome to attend this free event. Join members of the Artisans’ section as they conduct their monthly business meeting after Jim’s presentation. Visit Jim Motto’s website to see more of custom furniture, cabinetry and carved vessels.

Creative Artisans’ meeting, 7-9pm, Thurs, Feb 10, 2011
Members’ Gallery, 2nd floor
St. Louis Artists’ Guild, Two Oak Knoll Park, Clayton, MO 63105

Contact mike@michaelandersonstudio.com for more information.

Photo courtesy of Jim Motto
Contact mike@michaelandersonstudio.com for more information

Cubism, Construction and the Love of Art

In the 80s I fell in love with Cubism, especially with cubist sculptures of musical instruments. It seemed a perfect marriage of my interests, skill set and the kinds of things I wanted to learn about. I used this infatuation as a springboard to expression and a hands on method of studying via the actual experience of construction. I made a large number of instruments over the years most of which were sold or traded to other artists. I have a couple left around the house along with one of my few forays into forgery.

Salvaged and scrapped building materials became the 3D assemblages that I made as a means of meditation on cubist sculpture. It was a really absorbing and positive experience.

The piece on the left (immediately above) is Picasso's Mandolin and Clarinet, from 1912. One day in my studio, looking at a pile of scrap I 'saw' the Mandolin and Clarinet in a pile and allowed myself this indulgence.

In February there is a new show opening at MOMA called Picasso Guitars. Finding out about this is the inspiration for this post. In 1989, thanks to the generosity of some friends and some hard work I was able to spend a weekend at the Pioneering Cubism exhibit at MOMA. I also saw the big Jenny Holzer exhibit at the Guggenheim...but that is for another day.

Today is Worldwide Sketchcrawl #30

Artists from Austin to Oslo and 130 other cities are on location sketching today! You can view sketches from across the globe and upload your own sketch book pages to the Sketchcrawl forum here. Urbansketchers.com posted a great ink and wash sketch from Singapore by Don Low here.

Keep sketching!