Tim posted a photo the other day of a little work of art that Lindsey and Rhonda brought back from their trip to Columbus, Ohio. I thought some of you might like to see my gift from them, too.
Actual size 4×6 inches.
Ah, how things have changed since the era of Glorious Technicolor. The artist of these whimsical works is Paul Volker, and I highly recommend a visit to his site, volkerworld. com. Just a little bit of exploring will take you to classics like “Loch Ness Bacon.”
Tim also placed an order at Maine Days Designs, and Kate, the artisan and proprietor, included this pendant for me when she sent his merchandise:
Actual size 1×1 inch.
Seriously, GO TO HER ETSY SITE (linked above) and check out her jewelry, which I love. As for map pendants, Kate will design and make custom orders. Wouldn’t that be a great gift for sharing the memory of a place you’ve been with a friend or loved one? Or maybe remind someone of a place you’ve dreamed of going together?
Earlier this year, I became acquainted with the work of Houston artist Gilbert Ruiz through his Draw 365 Group on his Flickr site. As I once told him, when I want to relax, I like to launch a slide show of that set and listen to whatever my iTunes randomly plays while I watch. There was one sketch I kept going back to, and finally I begged him to let me buy it. I’ve had it quite a while and still haven’t framed it–I need to take care of that. Meanwhile, I’m glad to share it with you:
Actual size is 12×12 inches.
Something interesting that I didn’t realize until I took out the sketch to shoot it was the date Gilbert drew it: March 4. That’s my mother’s birthday–one of those funny coincidences that makes me feel close to her. I think she’d have enjoyed Gilbert’s art, especially the darkly humorous vein running through many of the sketches.
Saturday night I visited a new place (to me): H Gallery on 19th Street in the Houston Heights. I went because a couple of Gilbert’s paintings are hanging there, and I thought you might enjoy seeing some of the other work, too. I will definitely be keeping up with their installations and going back to visit.
March 2011–ETA: An article in the Houston Press questions the business practices of H Gallery. I’m including this link to the article, but letting my LJ entry remain because I think these artists and their work deserve recognition.
Where I know the artists, I’ve included their names and links to their sites.
Christian Perkins: How to Easily Make a Blessing
Two paintings by Gilbert Ruiz (and in the background, Ruiz talks to gallery visitors).
morning of blah
quickly broken by
http://www.angelfire.com/de/scribe/fakes.html
What a fascinating post – thank you so much for sharing.
I’ve just had a delightful half hour – firstly chuckling over the Volkerworld cards (what an inventive mind!) and then being mesmerised by Ruiz. I particularly liked the drinking straw in the well and the hammer cracking as it touched the gg – and it’s amazing how many of the drawings have two ‘halves’ that invite you to question why.
Thanks so much for a wonderful extension of my education!