The great artist Henri Matisse started making his amazing cut-outs in the last chapter of his career. Because of poor health, he changed mediums and began "painting with scissors," cutting into color. For many mixed-media and collage artists, Matisse's cut-outs are a joy, an influence, and a part of our particular art history. Matisse's mid-20th century cut-outs (or papiers decoupes as he called them) are now on exhibit at the Tate Modern in London, and will move to New York's MoMA in the fall. Above is a short video on the exhibit and the work. |
I think of Isabella Stewart Gardner in April, when the nasturtiums flow from the courtyard balconies of the villa-museum she created in Boston. She was an inspiring woman, collector and patron of the arts. While at Simmons College, I'd often visit her "Palace" next door, and sit surrounded by art and flowers in the courtyard garden even in winter. Later as a journalist, before the tragic, still unsolved 1990 theft of masterpieces there, I wrote the attached article about the Gardner Museum....
I like collecting both works of nature and (wo)man. I say if you have at least 3 kindred objects, that's a collection…so collections unwittingly appear just by gathering whatever attracts me.
The hunt is a pleasure whether you are 6, collecting rocks, or 60, fine art. I started collecting affordable blown glass by other students while at Rhode Island School of Design. I still go to its alumni sales. And beach combing is free. There's nothing like painting and layering materials with my own hands. But art apps on smart devices offer new ways to create digital images that are quick and fun. British painter David Hockney recently exhibited art created with the Brushes app on his iPad (at the deYoung Museum). And countless people use smartphones for iphoneography.
A favorite new app on my iPad mini is Paper by 53. I like sketching and doodling with its virtual tools. I especially like the watercolor effects of the brush, the variation in line of the fountain pen, and the natural way it lets me mix colors. I just use my fingers. My passion for art and design began as a child, growing up in a family of artists. They had a need to make things, and so do I. My father, aunt and great-uncle were all painters. My grandmother and great-aunt worked in fiber. And my brother is a furniture designer.
Making an altered book is a fun way to experiment with both new and old materials. I made the "sketches" (above) with old sheet music, metallic paint and lace paper in a book that I bought from my local library. Over time, I "alter" each page with paint, collage or other media until the book is transformed.
I've made three pieces so far in my "Love Hides" series. (One is above.) The title was inspired by the poetic lyrics in "Love Hides" by the Doors, recorded in 1970: "Love comes when you least expect it...Love hides in narrow corners...Love hides in molecular structures...Love is the answer." Listen above. A valentine.
Three of my mixed media pieces were exhibited at the 12x12 Holiday Show at the Bromfield Gallery, Harrison Ave., Boston SoWa from December 4 - 22. Opening reception for the juried show of small work was on December 6 – in conjunction with SoWa's festive First Friday of gallery and studio openings.
I've been collaborating with my friend Mary Durda for several years. In our "Dialogues" project, we create art in response to each other's work. We each bring one new piece and one "response" piece to each meeting and then trade for the next time.
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