Merry Christmas David!

David Smith is one of my artist heros. This famous photograph shows him overlooking his sculpture field at his home in Bolton Landing near Lake George, New York.

David Smith pioneered steel and industrial modernism in the art world. His story is even more interesting to me than his artwork.

"Organica"

This is a photograph of the piece of sea weed washed up on Carter's Beach, Nova Scotia that inspired my latest sculpture. The shape intrigued me so I did a series of drawings based on the basic form going off in different directions until I arrived at the one that I ultimately used for the sculpture.

I actually could and may do several variations. The piece that now lives on the front lawn at the Central Square Library is made of mild steel and painted black and red. I would like to see it done different sizes and painted different colors. A very large one, maybe 8-10 feet tall would be nice. I think small for inside would be fun to see as well. I also would like to see what it would look like in stainless steel. I'd be in trouble if I had the money.

I have several proposed major projects for 2009, including a large scale piece for the Arts Center in Old Forge and a somewhat smaller sculpture for the Parish Public Library. Securing funding will be the trick.

More to follow! Stay tuned!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gallery 668

Traveling to Vermont on a regular basis I have found some interesting short cuts. One of my favorite between Saratoga Springs, NY and Arlington Vermont led me to discover a fabulous gallery that has become a favorite stop in the summer.

Gallery 668 is housed in two stunningly renovated barns on a beautiful, grand New England style farm in Battenville, NY. The following narrative is taken from their web page.


Our story begins with the founder of Gallery 668, Solange Batsell Herter. As a Liberal Arts student at Bennington College she was introduced to a myriad of aspiring artists - painters, sculptors and dancers - including classmate Helen Frankenthaler. In the 1960's she opened Studio 405 in Carnegie Hall selling the works of a wide array of artists such as Alexander Calder, Marc Chagall, Raoul Dufy, René Magritte, Joan Miro, Maurice Utrillo and Andy Warhol among others.

In addition to her passion for art, Solange became involved in the racing world. In the late 1970's she opened Saratoga's first gallery exhibiting primarily sporting art, such as works by Henry Thomas Alken Sr., Sir Alfred Munnings and John Skeaping. Over the years, she began incorporating and exhibiting more contemporary works by regional artists.

The success of these first venues led to the idea of creating a larger exhibit space in the two 1779 hay barns and silo located at her Battenville residence. Architect Timothy D. Smith of North Bennington, VT was selected to complete the art gallery exhibit spaces - opening up the barn doors for natural light, making the bright space an ideal backdrop for paintings, sculptures, hooked rugs, tapestries and jewelry.

Continuing the family tradition, Veronique de La Bruyere will be directing the gallery's exhibits for 2008. This year Gallery 668 will open its space to a combination of international and local artists in four group shows from July 13th through September 7th. Our complete schedule with photos of the works, artist quotes, and links to even more information is at the top this page. In addition to our Sunday openings, we will build on the success of ART TALK, our Thursday evening series of conversations with artists and guests. On Thursday, August 7th, we will host an Art Auction and Tapas for Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand. We look forward to seeing you this summer!

http://www.gallery668.com

"Organica"

Today we installed "Organica" in front of the Central Square Library. The steel sculpture is 48" tall and 32" wide. This piece was inspired by a piece of sea weed I found washed up on Carter's Beach in Queens County Nova Scotia this past summer.

The shape is taken directly from the sea weed which I photographed. I then added to it for a modern design and for structural integrity. The sculpture is mounted on a concrete pedestal about 12" off the ground. The pedestal is also resting on a concrete footer. I plan to go back in the spring and do some more work on the pedestal and raise it up about another 4"-6".

I am presently waiting on the title plate and then we will make the official presentation to the Library and do the photo-op thing for the newspapers.

Pictured here I am tightening the bolts that hold the sculpture to it's pedestal with my helper Steven Collaro.

This project was made possible by a grant from the New York State Council for the Arts (NYSCA) and the Syracuse Cultural Resources Council.

Special thanks to Randy Stier and Specialty Welding and Fabricating of Syracuse, NY.

"Visitation" SOLD $600

This painting has long been a particular favorite of mine. I think it represents a break through of sorts for me. This is abstract expressionism pure and simple. I actually did the painting originally in the late 1990's and put it aside. I later pulled it back out, revisited it, and gave it a new title, "Visitation". The title came to me after visiting my son in prison. The painting is very personal and introspective. I am happy to have it go to a good home and be part of a fantastic and growing art collection.

The image is acrylic on canvas but removed from the stretchers and archivally matted and framed. The piece measures 26" X 26" incl. frame. "Visitation' has been in several group exhibitions and was most recently a part of the Totally Abstract: Non-Objective Invitational at the Timothy McHenry Gallery at the Art Association of Oswego.