Confronting Issues’ that Matter

This does not have a direct relationship to art but one of the things that I get to do is to attend fund raising events. They are often events where people talk about the good deeds that their organization performs on behalf of young mothers, boys or girls at risk etc. Rarely have I been to an event where those who are the beneficiaries were so clearly present and vocal about the difference that this organization has made in their lives. This morning I attended a breakfast for “Girls for a Change” where girls talked about their young lives and the issues they face and what really matters to them. Their issues are those that we all know about and yet when hearing from these very young people that the support given to “Girls for a Change” has given their lives renewed purpose and direction I wonder why is it that we are not doing more. There was a direct appeal for funding, no gimmicks, no raffles, no expensive dinner, no internationally know speaker motivating us, just the beneficiaries, the young girls who need the help. Here is a link to a short video that makes the case for supporting this group better then I can.

Surprise Visitor

Charles Mance who is loving, generous and honest guy, surprised me this past weekend with a Arizona visit.

I’ve not seen Charles in about ten years and it was great to see him again, catch up on what he’s been doing and to hear about mutual friends, that I’ve not seen since leaving California.

It is always a joy to reconnect with a good friend. This was exceptionally joyful.

Playing who is the Best Game

After spending weeks following sports, you come away feeling that there is a top ten to every subject. Who are the top ten “Point Guards” to ever play the game. Who are the best Golfer to ever, who is or was the best putter, who the best sports announcer. It seems fitting and at the same time unrealistic to declare best ever in sports. This concept I believe does not lend itself to the creative arts. I don’t see art as being at all competitive, it’s more about what you like or appreciate.

Because I’ve spent so much time following basketball I’ve not worked on many painting of my own. So I will share a number of artist, who’s work I feel has been important to me. (Key words “to me”).

All three of these artist for today’s post were introduced to me by Harvey Dinnerstein. I feel that they have influence how I see my paintings.

I believe “The Tate” has the largest collection of Gwen John’s painting. On my only trip to London, I was disappointed to see that they only had one painting on exhibit, having just pulled a complete showing of her work a week or two before.

When Isabel Bishop passed away, there was a small and brief exhibit of her work in New York. I did not know much about here but loved her work. There is a small work of here at the Phoenix Art Museum, and always look for it when I visit the museum.

Mary Beth McKenzie, teaches at the Art Students League of New York. When I was living in New York, she had a one person show and has a good book (if you can find) “A Painterly Approach”.

Gwen Johns	Isabel Bishop	Mary Beth McKenzie

Well I just completed something. This is an unauthorized painting of Cybel that I did from memory. This is a lot easier to do then you might think. I recognize my family in my paintings all the time and spend days trying to loose the resemblance.

It’s Almost Done, "March Madness", Until Next March

Growing up in the south Bronx, before the projects, before the politically correct “inner-city” everyone played basketball, it was cheap and all you needed was a ball and a pair of Ked’s or Converse sneakers and you where good to go. The dream then was about being noticed in your neighborhood as someone who could play and be chosen for a team. The dream now is about being noticed and getting paid a few million per year.

We Never Had Muscle

This painting is what I and most of my buddies would look like now on the “B” court. I took some liberties and removed some of the stomach mass that has accumulated over the years and added muscle tone in the arms, where none ever existed.

It’s Ladies Night.

Tonight is ladies night, which features young women who are taller and more talented then anyone I ever knew.

Arizona Magic of Music & Dance at Barnes & Noble

Last Summer I attended a performance of “Snow White” produced by Arizona Magic of Music and Dance a program for children and young adults with physical or mental disabilities — that prepares them in one week to stage a wonderful theater production that is written and choreographed just for them. This was an inspirational event. This weekend in Scottsdale they have partnered with Barnes & Noble to help raise funds for this year’s production of the Jungle Book.

SHOW UP ~ SHOP ~ SUPPORT
Saturday March 29th at 11:00am

Barnes & Noble Booksellers
(10500 N. 90th Street, Scottsdale Tel. 480-391-004
“Magical Possibilities for Youths with Disabilities”
SHOW UP: Free performance by the Arizona Magic of Music & Dance – please bring the entire family
SHOP: Barnes & Noble will give each person in attendance a charitable voucher.
This voucher will be valid at any valley location for the following 30 days.
SUPPORT: The proceeds from your purchasing from Barnes and Noble fund the barrier
free week-long camps

June 2 - 6 in Fountain Hills & June 9 – 13 in Phoenix
for children and young adults with physical and mental disabilities. In just one
week, they will stage The Jungle Book with the help of teen and adult volunteers.
We need your help. Please visit www.AZMagic.org to enroll a special needs
“actor” or to volunteer - but most of all, we need your donations. 100% of all
proceeds support these two fabulous productions.

Call 602-653-8702 or 602-326-4619 for more information.
Tax Deductible 501 – C-(3)
Just shop at Barnes & Noble for any books or gifts you
want in the next 30 days. Present the voucher at checkout
and Barnes & Noble will donate a portion of the
profits to the Arizona Magic of Music & Dance!

Past the Blue Skies

I wondered why someone would want to be a President. The toll that it takes. At first Obama did not look to be old enough to be President but that has changed. Now, though committed to going forward, he looks as if he has discovered the truth about heaven with the knowledge that there is no turning back. I’ve painted Senator Obama with his eyes looking down vs. the upward hopeful gaze he once maintained. I wish him good health. 

More About Madness

The one thing I wish I was able to do well in my life, was to be a good basketball player. Not great, good would have fine. I was terrible. But I understand the game like I intended to coach one day. (not going to happen) So this time of year with both the NCAA tournament, men’s and women’s, the NIT and  NBA teams playing like millions of dollars are at stake it’s a fun time for a wannabe like myself. I will finish this painting in between games.

My Excuse "March Madness"

This happens and I can’t help it. Basketball Rules.

I’ve been painting but have not finished anything in a while and that it is necessary to identify my distraction. I am no longer in denial and feel a lot better.