Monday, November 24, 2008

Jamie Watson in two surf themed art shows

Jamie Watson has her surf-themed prints in two surf-related group art shows: one in Venice, CA and the other in Santos, Brazil.

Through November '08
Sole Surfing in Venice Beach, CA
Read more about it here

January 20-26, '09
Santos SurfArt in Brazil
Interview with Jamie Watson here

Friday, November 14, 2008

Kalani Engles paintings at Art Basel Miami Beach

Kalani Engles will have two of her Perfume River paintings on display at Art Basel Miami Beach, December 4-7, 2008.

This painting is part of Kalani's Perfume River series

From the website:

Art Basel Miami Beach is the most important art show in the United States, a cultural and social highlight for the Americas. As the sister event of Switzerland's Art Basel, the most prestigious art show worldwide for the past 39 years, Art Basel Miami Beach combines an international selection of top galleries with an exciting program of special exhibitions, parties and crossover events featuring music, film, architecture and design. Exhibition sites are located in the city's beautiful Art Deco District, within walking distance of the beach and many hotels.

An exclusive selection of more than 220 leading art galleries from North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia and Africa will exhibit 20th and 21st century artworks by over 2,000 artists. The exhibiting galleries are among the world's most respected art dealers, offering exceptional pieces by both renowned artists and cutting-edge newcomers.

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Currently on display in San Francisco : Fine Art Books from Israel


Read page 1 of this newsletter from the Mechanics' Institute Library

Currently on display at the Mechanics' Institute Library, are works of "book" art, handmade limited-edition books produced by Even Hoshen Press. These handcrafted, limited editions transform classic and contemporary Hebrew literature into works of art. Calligraphy, original etchings and prints illuminate texts on high quality papers which are sewn by hand and encased in whimsical bindings and boxes.

These books have never before been in the United States until Barbara Mortkowitz brought them for this rare exhibition. They are in the display cases on the second and third floors.

Mechanics' Institute Library
57 Post Street
San Francisco, CA 94104
415-393-0101

Monday, September 15, 2008

Nanette Wylde at Vino Locale

Nanette Wylde "Portraits" at Vino Locale, September 2008

Redwood City artist Nanette Wylde is exhibiting 'portraits' from three projects at Vino Locale this month.

"ebaybies" are intaglio prints (etchings) based on auction photos of antique dolls. Each ebaybie comes with its own profile or story and an individualized 'Certificate of Rescue.'
http://preneo.com/nwylde/ebaybies/

"Assumptions: Performative Texts" is a series of over twenty photographs of body fragments which are 'tattooed' with descriptive words. This work plays with concepts of stereotyping and judgment.
http://preneo.com/nwylde/assumptions/

"about so many things" is an electronic flipbook which randomly displays the activities of 'He' and 'She' without bias to gender, that is, the activities are drawn from the same pool of possibilities.
http://preneo.com/nwylde/flipbooks/

Bio
Nanette Wylde is a California native who grew up in San Jose. She has lived in many different places, but always returns to the Bay Area because she needs to see the Santa Clara Range from her front yard. She makes her home in Redwood City where she resides with one spousal unit, one amazing cat, an abundant vegetable garden and many fruit trees. She is Associate Professor of Art & Art History at California State University, Chico.

Statement
My work starts with a question. Some unanswered phenomenon will go nagging around my gray matter, repeating itself in hushed, slightly obsessive tones until I satisfy with research–extensive research. And then a response. While it is the research that points me to answers, it is the actual making of the work, completing the project that satisfies the question.

My interests include: language, personality, difference, beliefs, systems, ideas, movement, reflection, identity, perceptions, structures, stories, socialization, definitions, context, memory, experience, change, and residue. These manifest in the creation of socially reflective, language based works, generally of hybrid media.

Meet the artist: Sunday, September 21, 2 - 5pm

Vino Locale
431 Kipling Street
Palo Alto, California
http://www.vinolocale.com

Vino Locale is a delightful wine bar downtown Palo Alto which specializes in local wines, slow food, and local artists. It is just around the corner from the Apple store.

Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 11-9, Sundays 12-5. Closed on Mondays.

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Invitation to Kalani Engles' show in L.A.




The George Billis Gallery in L.A. will feature six canvases from Kalani Engles' popular Perfume River series and five monotypes. A group of friends and collectors have organized a dinner for her after the opening on Sept. 6.

Those in the L.A. area are invited to the reception Sept. 6 from 5-8PM.

George Billis Gallery L.A.
2716 S La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90034


View Larger Map

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Barbara Mortkowitz in 2 book art shows

Bay Area artist Barbara Mortkowitz is currently in 2 book art shows, with one of her art books in each show.

The first is BookWorks 2008 which runs until September 26 at the Downtown San Francisco Library. This is the 14th in a series of exhibitions with works by members of the Pacific Center for the Book Arts.

Ordinarily, one thinks of a book as a gathering of pages bound between two covers. But to others, a book can take many forms and become a work of art, and the pieces in this show represent a wide range of responses to this question. What you see here may surprise you and even challenge your definition of what constitutes a book. Traditional books, such as finely-printed books of poetry and other literature and books beautifully hand-bound in various materials, will of course be offered, and along with these will be innovative, and often whimsical, avant-garde artists’ books.

The second show is Sewn Pages - Woven Thoughts, which runs until September 26 at Commuknity in San Jose. For directions, please click here.

This exhibit features the fiber art books by members of the Bay Area Book Artists (BABA). BABA is a group of independent artists bound together by a passion for the book arts.

Sunday, July 6, 2008

3 Linden Street Warehouse artists involved in book project


For generations women in the Bible have inspired movies, novels, sermons, and art. The new book, Women of the Bible: Mothers, Harlots, Wives and Queens, retells the stories of these female archetypes through creative explorations in art, prose and poetry. Three of our Linden Street Warehouse artists – Marianne Lettieri, Barbara Mortkowitz, and Joyce Savre, participated in the collaboration.

The book's original art and writing will be exhibited during the Menlo Park Connoisseur's Marketplace, July 19 and 20. To view some of the book's pages online, go to the direct link on Blurb.

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Last week to view Compassion exhibit in Seattle!

Nanette Wylde has two projects in an exhibition curated in conjunction with the Dali Lama's visit to Seattle. Details on Nanette's project here.

What does Compassion Look Like?
ArtXchange Gallery, Seattle
Through May 30, 2008

For more info click here and here.

Friday, May 2, 2008

Silicon Valley Open Studios

Come by and support your local artists! Click here for locations to pick up a map guide.

Linden Street Warehouse Artists' Open Studios
Saturday, May 3 - Sunday, May 4
11am - 5pm

Participating in this weekend's event: To learn more about the artists below, click here.

Annie Ahern
Lisa Kindley
Marianne Lettieri
Bonny Novesky
Joyce Savre
Jamie Watson
Jay Watson

Great art, photographs, jewelry to feast on...and lots of great wine and yummy delectables too.

275 B Linden Street
Redwood City

corner of Center and El Camino Real (studios located behind Sleep Train).

View Larger Map

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Conceptually Bound 3

Conceptually Bound 3 is an exhibition of Artists’ Books, curated by Nanette Wylde, featuring the work of 30 artists.

It opens with a reception & panel discussion on Friday, April 11, 2008, 6-8 pm. Runs through May 25 at The Mohr Gallery, CSMA, Mountain View, CA. Directions here.

Throughout recorded history, books have been containers documenting and transmitting human culture. It is no wonder that contemporary artists have taken their cultural production into book form, and as is the practice of art makers, pushing the concept of what defines a book beyond conventions and mainstream notions.

“The theme of Conceptually Bound refers to the idea that the content of the book is in part expressed by the form the book takes,” says curator Nanette Wylde, a former CSMA faculty member and currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Art and Art History at CA State University, Chico. “The books in the exhibition reference the individual context of what is meaningful in the artists’ lives and many reflect concerns of the broader culture.”

New show curated by Barbara Mortkowitz

Opens in San Francisco this Sunday, April 13th

Community Artists Look at Israel

In this exhibit, community artists reflect on the 60th anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel. In their work, they express their hopes, their disappointments, and their wishes for the land and its people, and reflect on their relationship to them. Exhibit runs April 1 through July 31, all regular Library hours. Curated by Barbara Mortkowitz. FREE.


Soon we will post an interview with Barbara, revealing interesting tidbits about her role as a curator. Stay tuned!

Monday, April 7, 2008

Success in New York!

Kalani and George
Kalani's opening reception at the George Billis Gallery


A couple of months ago, we reported on Kalani's Febrary show at the George Billis Gallery in NY. It was a big success with 7 of 9 pieces sold, and another large canvas commissioned. It went so well in fact, that George invited Kalani to do a second show in his Los Angeles gallery in September. Stay tuned for more details!

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Artist Interview - Jamie Watson

Jamie in her studio
photo by Jay Watson


Monotype artist Jamie Watson, sat down with photographer Jay Watson, to answer a few questions about her work and influences.

Where were you born and where did you grow up? I was born in San Jose, CA. My father was a pilot in the Navy, so I lived in about 8 different states for only a couple of years at a time, such as Washington state & Michigan. Then, my dad got a job with Delta and was based out of New Orleans, so the longest I lived in one place was in Louisiana, from 5th grade to high school graduation.

Even though you grew up in Louisiana, you seem to identify more as being a Californian. How does this connection to California influence your work? Well I think that it makes me feel rather carefree and open, with a lot of California colors. It has also influenced my passion for surfing and introduced surf themes in my prints. However I was on a trip to New Orleans the year before Katrina. And all of these senses awakened that I had forgotten about when I moved. Now I long to use deeper, more saturated colors, with heavier markings as a result of that trip. Although I haven’t done it yet, it is filed and available when I’m ready!

This could be a mash up answer of artists, film makers, writers, or musicians. Who are some artists that influence your work? That’s a fun question, which I have never thought about before. I feel influenced and inspired by the independent spirit and greatness of certain artists out there such as Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Ani DiFranco, Pete Seeger, The Mother Hips, Jack Johnson, Bob Welsh Jr.…some of these for not just what they put out, but the way they live. Frederic Remington, Flora Bowley, Kate Farrall, my husband Jay Watson, Wes Anderson, PT Anderson, Jared Hess, Daniel Day Lewis, Sofia Coppola, Bruce Brown…There are too many. I am also just as inspired by friends & family, surfers, bloggers and people like Coach John Wooden, Gabrielle Reece and Fred Rogers.

Fred Rogers, I wasn't expecting that. Well he was just such a kind soul who did so much good for children and television, and his ways of talking about issues and feelings on his show were very original and unique! Of the people that rotate through my brain a lot, he is often there. I found a special book written about him, and wrote about it in this entry.

Many people do not understand the monotype process. Can you briefly explain how your work is made through this process? Sure. I start out with oil-based inks and mix colors that I want to use for the day. I paint an image on plexiglass, typically using a brush and a brayer. I then place the glass face up on the bed of the press, lay the paper on top of the glass and roll it through the press. The intense pressure applies the image to the paper in reverse.

Collectors must really appreciate that each piece is a one of a kind original. How have you been making your art more accessible to new collectors and new art buyers? Yes, I think collectors do like that about monotypes. I get to hear a lot of feedback when I participate in Open Studios, so that is great. I have been making my art more accessible by writing a blog (though it’s not always about art), participating in Open Studios and having a website. My big goals for this year are working on getting my prints on Etsy and to have gallery shows in surf towns, with my surf themed work.

Ironically you have not put much of your work up on your blog, but you post frequently and you receive a good amount of traffic. Any plans you would like to share with us for your blog? I find that my blog is a creative endeavor, which is very fulfilling. I am rather surprised myself, that I have not included a lot of art in it. I am sure that will come with time. I like to write about a lot of miscellaneous things and give myself projects, such as my current one of photographing cars in my neighborhood. I also have a new feature called “Surf Fridays!” which you might be able to guess, will be something about surfing every Friday. My future plans are to include interviews of people, including artists.

It sounds as though you have been building a good network of artists through the blogosphere and the internet. Do you have any tips, experiences, or feedback you would like to share about this experience? I have met a few really cool artists via the blogosphere and that is a real treat. It’s almost like having a pen pal when you were a kid. It just keeps the inspiration going. I would recommend visiting blogs you like and leaving a comment here and there. It’s a very friendly and engaging atmosphere, I’ve come to find. Interestingly enough, it has sparked an interest in me to become a collector and I’ve been buying other artists’ work by finding them on the internet.

You’re also interested in street art. Have you planned any new guerilla tactics for your work? Will we see your monotype press next to a brick wall soon? Yes! The first one I did was in New York in November. My next plan is to leave artwork in San Francisco, sometime this Spring. I like to take a photo of where I’ve left it, and put it on my blog because I think it’s a fun thing to share. Each time I go on a trip, I will bring something to leave behind. Eventually I want to leave art all around the world. That would be nice.


Jamie will be participating in this year's Silicon Valley Open Studios, May 3-4. For more information, click here.

Friday, February 29, 2008

Solo show for Marianne Lettieri

Marianne Lettieri has a solo show of new work at The Main Gallery in Redwood City, March 19 to April 20, 2008. The exhibit, called "Outside Inside," shakes up the concepts of freedom and confinement, suggesting that they might be the same. Cages, lanterns and paintings of sky are juxtaposed with familiar objects to create unsettling tension. The viewer will have to question what is outside and what is inside.

"For years I have collected a great inventory of interesting containers to use in my art," Marianne said. "The challenge for me with this series was to work with enclosures that have strong symbolic imagery, but say something unexpected."

The resulting exhibit offers thought provoking and ironic visual metaphor. For example, a red birdcage appears as if it would fly off into the blue canvas behind, if it were not tethered to a chain and barbell. A house shaped sculpture painted with clouds and encased in a wrought iron cloche gives new meaning to the phrase "castle in the sky." These and other pieces in "Outside Inside" reveal what is normally concealed by the placement of objects in such a way that poetic resonance happens.

There will be a reception for the artist on Sunday, March 30 from 4 to 7 p.m. The gallery is located at 1018 Main Street in the historic yellow Victorian cottage. The Main Gallery is open Wednesday through Friday from 11 to 4 and weekends from 10 to 3. For more information, please call the gallery at (650) 701-1018 or visit the gallery's web site at www.themaingallery.org.

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Show curated by Barbara Mortkowitz

Barbara Mortkowitz has curated a show which is currently at the Jewish Community Library in San Francisco.


EXHIBIT
Even Hoshen Press: Fine Books from Israel
Exhibit: through March 16, 2008

Even Hoshen private press in Ra'anana, Israel represents a collaboration of father and son Uzi and Ido Agassi. Named after the twelve precious stones of Aaron's breastplate, the press produces books in limited editions, accompanied by original etchings, prints, or woodcuts, with special hand made bindings. Book artist and designer Ido Agassi will be present at the opening reception on January 13, giving an artist's talk at 3 pm. This exhibit represents the first time the press's work is being displayed in the United States.

Curated by Barbara Mortkowitz

Co-sponsored by The Israel Center of the Jewish Community Federation and the Consulate General of Israel in San Francisco

Jewish Community Library: l835 Ellis St., San Francisco
415-567-3327

Monday, February 18, 2008

The Qi Project by Nanette Wylde

The Qi Project by Nanette Wylde opens at KCI Art Gallery.

The Qi Project, an installation which investigates humanity, opens at The Krause Center for Innovation Art Gallery at Foothill College in Los Altos Hills, Tuesday, February 5th. The exhibition runs through February 29.

The Qi Project is an inquiry into the nature of humanity and what it means to be human at this moment in time. It is the gallery's first projected video installation. Project creator, Nanette Wylde interviewed people in front of a camcorder, via postcard, email, website and telephone. The questions asked were "What does it mean to be human?" and "What is humanity?"

The Qi Project was conceived in 2005 after nine weeks of study and travel in China. The project was conceptualized specifically for the KCI Gallery and its unique circular aspects.

The Qi Project brings together nine years of video people watching, interviews in both written and video form, and welcomes audience participation in the gallery. There is a companion website http://qiproject.net

Gallery hours Monday - Friday, 9 am - 9 pm, Saturdays, 9 am - 5 pm.

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Marianne Lettieri featured in new book

Lynne Perrella has a new book called Art-Making, Collections & Obsessions. It features a page about Marianne Lettieri and her assemblage, "Pieces of String Too Small to Use, Valued." The book, which has been released this month online and to book stores nationwide, looks lusciously at the synchronicity between object and artist.

Saturday, February 2, 2008

Kalani Engles

Juried Exhibitions, Awards and Fellowships:

San Mateo County Museum (2005 and 2003)
KQED Public Radio Interview (2000)
Stanford University Women’s Studies (1997)
Visiting Artist, Castello di Spannocchia, Frasnia, Italy (1998)
Invited Artist, Denver Print Fair, Denver, Colorado (1997)
San Jose Museum of Art, The First San Jose Biennial (1986)
Crocker Art Museum, Crocker-Kingsley Annual Exhibition, Sacramento, California (1985)
San Mateo Arts Council, Belmont, California (1985, 1984, 1982)
The Arts Commission of San Francisco, Arts Commission Festival (1985)

One Woman Exhibitions:

George Billis Gallery, New York (2008)
The Studio, Burlingame, California (2006 and 2005)
Bradford Gallery, San Francisco, California (2001 and 1999)
Inkfish Gallery, Denver, Colorado (1995, 1994, 1990)
Vorpal Gallery, San Francisco, California (1994, 1990, 1988)

Museum Exhibitions:

Arkansas Arts Center, Little Rock, Arkansas (2007 and 2002)
San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art (2002)
One-West Art Center, Fort Collins, Colorado (1997)
Nicolaysen Museum, Casper, Wyoming (1996)

Recent Publication:

Hunger for Light, Fithian Press (2006). 30 large black and white botanical monotypes are paired with 30 original poems by poet Stephen Browning. “. . .defines the seriousness of her involvement not only with the medium but with her relationship to nature,” Nathan Oliveira

Collections:

Musuem and public collections include the Arkansas Arts Center, U.S. Department of State Art Bank Program, San Mateo County Library, and The National Museum of Women Archives.
Corporate collections include Hogan and Hartson, Indian Wells Country Club, Atlanta Airport Hilton and The Trump Group. Over 200 private collections.

Education:

Stanford University, Department of Art (1980-1983) – Advisor: Nathan Oliveira
College of San Mateo, A.A.Degree

www.kalaniengles.com
engles@pop.net

Friday, February 1, 2008

Kalani Engles - New York show



For our friends in New York, please stop by the George Billis Gallery in the Chelsea district. Kalani's work is showing until February 16th.

Friday, January 25, 2008

Marianne Lettieri

My Kingdom, 16 x 17 x13

Dovecote for Cornell, 30 x21 x10

Artist’s Statement
I grew up within sight of the missile gantries at Cape Canaveral, Florida during the race to the moon between the US and USSR. Visual juxtapositions, such as rosette spoonbills flying at the rumble of a rocket launch, created for me a lasting appreciation of images that are at once familiar and unsettling. Connecting disparate elements so that we see things in a new way is central to my art. I enjoy collecting and using in my work vintage objects and ephemera that tell stories of who we are how we have lived. Transforming forgotten castoffs and ordinary detritus into meaningful imagery is for me a personal statement of faith.

Biography
Marianne Lettieri received a BFA from University of Florida in 1971 with majors in printmaking, drawing and dance. She worked as a graphic artist and modern dancer prior to a career in creative marketing and communications in the high technology industry of Northern California. She now works full time as an artist in assemblage, collage and mixed media, and conducts art workshops in the Bay Area. She exhibits at The Main Gallery in Redwood City, and is the founder of Arts of the Covenant, a Christian art organization.

News
March 17-April 20, 2008 at The Main Gallery in Redwood City, she will show new works created with cages and lanterns that explore the concepts of confinement and freedom.


Monday, January 14, 2008

SVOS May 3rd & 4th

It's that time to start preparing for Silicon Valley Open Studios 2008!

Last May was our first year exhibiting as the Linden Street Warehouse artists and it was very successful. Not only that, but we had a lot of fun. We had a meeting about it recently, and I gather that we're even more excited about it this year.

Linden Street Warehouse ~ participating during Weekend One
May 3rd & 4th, 2008
Southern San Mateo County

Coming soon - a list of our participants and a peek at their artwork!