Artist Work: Patrick Dougherty

These “weed trees” by Patrick Dougherty  are just a few of the amazing art works produced over his many years as a “stick artist”.  His work has graced various outdoor and indoor spaces since 1988 when the artist first started creating these massive tree sculptures.  I love all things nest-like and these fit right into this unique category, the good news is that we can all enjoy the works of Patrick this summer when he begins a massive instillation at the Brooklyn Botanical gardens starting August 1st, 2010.

This one is a bit surreal sticking out of the side of an already existing building.  Overall, I find these sculptures to be quite eloquent.

  Here’s a winter scene.  These “kiosk” like shapes bring me halfway around the world somewhere in Rissia. 

Post cards of Patrick Dougherty’s work. 

I spent most of my free time in the last month cleaning up a long-neglected apartment in south Tel Aviv with a group of fellow artists. We patched the many craters in the crumbling walls, hauled away mountains of trash left by past tenants, painted everything white, and built a dividing wall in the kitchen.

before

after

Three permanent members and three guest-artists of a group called BreakOn, we faced this dusty, grimey mess in preparation for our second exhibition in an alternative space. BreakOn’s purpose is to provide ourselves with opportunities to exhibit our art, without having to rely on traditional channels to get our work in front of an audience.

Cleaning up the space lead to the inspiration for the show’s theme and the title, Momento. The apartment is a strangely-oriented series of rooms with startlingly low ceilings and odd protrusions everywhere. It is hard to imagine anyone ever having lived in this place! We found all kinds of objects left behind by people years ago, plus remnants that brought us to the realization that the space was also used as a knitting factory for some time. The clothes, papers, and many other personal items we came across made us all think about human memory—how past events can be recalled by the simplest little image, trinket, or phrase. And we had our theme: each artist has expressed in their own way what a memento is or the meaning it can carry.

Included in the few-dozen works on display is an old plastic medicine cabinet that we found hanging on the kitchen wall. It has a red star-of-david on its door, and there were even some gross-looking old ointments left inside. As part of our effort to incorporate the character of the apartment into the exhibition itself, we decided to create a collaborative piece out of this weathered box. Each artist brought a memento or tchochke of our own to put inside the cabinet, and visitors to the exhibition are encouraged to examine these items closely. I left an oragami swan that a close friend sent me in the mail, and another person left a vintage button she somehow acquired on a trip to Lebanon.

I’m ecstatic to be able to exhibit my work alongside five extremely talented artists, but an added treat for me as a graphic designer and all-around design enthusiast is going through the process of branding the show and also configuring the space. In such a quirky environment, hanging fine art becomes a difficult balancing act. We did our best to maintain the character of the apartment in a way that felt appropriate for displaying contemporary art—being careful never to cross the many lines that could easily make this endeavor seem like some sort of craft project gone-wrong. The end result is an immersive experience on many levels.

One of our guest-artists is Mya Guarnieri, a young but well-traveled journalist and creative writer. While the rest of us are visual artists, Mya uses words to illustrate the power of memories. She has two pieces in the exhibition: the first is a series of four poems she has written to deceased women from previous generations in her family, and the second is a heart-wrenching short story that deals with emotional pain, loss, and how important personal belongings can be in difficult times.

Photographer Patti Ezratty, another guest-artist, emulates the way images of one’s past may appear in the mind. Using pinhole camera pictures she took in various places and times in her life, she has created a multi-dimensional collage of pictures. Each one has a story within it, while from afar the collection of memories has an amorphous quality that’s as complex as it is beautiful.

Nitzah Avigayil is an accomplished conceptual artist who has traveled a lot and who, like most of the other artists in BreakOn, has in the past few years moved to Israel from far away. She’s created an installation in one of the oddly carved-out nooks in the apartment. The viewer is invited to interact with a collection of her travel mementos, all sealed in plastic bags and suspended from above.

Also featured in the show are painter Diana Brody, guest sculptor Einav Uziel, and yours truly, Daniel Klein. My primary medium is silk-screen printing.

"Reines Street" by Diana Brody is a series of square compositions on canvas using impressions of the trees that the artist sees on her street

"That's Not A Bird" by Einav Uziel is part of a body of work that explores the spiritual mementos used in Jewish religion

"Tangerine Boys" is a work I created to remind me of a recent trip to Tangier, Morocco. The print is made from a photo I took of some kids chasing each other in the street; nearby, through a massive arched gate, stood a mountain of discarded pieces of tile with gorgeous patterns. I brought a few of these shards home with me and used one of them here.

Momento is at Salame Street number 97 in Tel Aviv through the 22nd of April.
open hours: Monday – Thursday 11 – 2 and 6 – 9, Friday 11 – 3
viewings also available by appointment
closed on Israeli national holidays
please visit the BreakOn site for more information

I have to admit it. Lately I’ve been in a rut. I haven’t found anything I loved while looking at my favorite design sites, perusing my preferred shelter magazines on the stands or even going to my chosen home stores. It just felt like everything I’ve been looking at is the same and I’m bored with it. I’m not all that interested in mid-century modern. It doesn’t suit my house and it’s ridiculously expensive in Israel. So I stopped looking at it all. And I lost a bit of myself. I stopped writing. And I missed it.

Then I went to get my hair cut and in my girlfriend’s salon were three new shelter magazines – Elle Decor (US), Elle Decoration (UK) and House and Garden (UK). The first and last were meh – but the Elle Decoration, well… I just couldn’t put it down. Especially because of an article on the French artist Claire Basler. Her home is her studio and the artwork was so amazing, as was the space. I just wanted to transport myself there.  I loved it so much I finally felt compelled to write again and show her work to all of you.

I’m not one who goes gaga over artists – but there’s something about Claire’s work. It has such – would it be silly to say ethereal quality? Because that’s the word that comes to mind when I see her work.

Her work is simply pretty.

So much pretty. I want one of her pieces, but I’m afraid to write and find out how much her work costs. And then of course there would be the dilemma of choosing one.

When there are so many gorgeous pieces to choose from.

I want.

The good news is, if I can’t afford the paintings – I can get the fabric instead.

Or some pottery.

Amazingly stunning art. Thank you Claire Basler.

What is the one decorative piece in your home that makes you smile every time you see it? Maybe it’s a luxurious cashmere throw an extra-special person gave you, or a status-symbol object emblazoned with your favorite logo. Or maybe it’s that thrift store chair you picked up for a song and gave it a cover-worthy makeover.  For me, it’s this painting:

C. Flower 2, Ashley Saer

When we moved into our house in August 2006, one of the first things I did while painting over all those pink walls was paint the oddly shaped hallway/pod a fun blue (Enchantment by Behr, by the way) to break up the expanse of white walls all around. We hung a few things that would fit on the narrow walls that made up the space, but the wider wall at the end of the hallway remained blank until later that fall. Because whatever would eventually occupy that space had to be special.

I first saw the painting, C. Flower 2 by Arkansas artist Ashley Saer, on the invitation to an upcoming fall show at interior designer Tobi Fairley’s shop-gallery combo, now known as Tobi Fairley Gallery. As soon as the colorful card came across my desk, I was transfixed by the trio of bouquet oil paintings that decorated it, but particularly this one—the textural, abstract blooms, the varied background hues of my favorite color…and the vase. Especially the vase, because it was virtually the same color as the walls. Clearly all of these things indicated that this was meant to be. Having worked with Saer in the past, I’d long-admired her work, and this was the perfect piece to start a collection with.

The night of the show, I was so happy to see that “sold” sticker next to my new painting, which couldn’t come home with me yet, as it was still not entirely dry. But I was able to pick it up a couple of days later, and I was so excited to finally get it home and see how it looked in what is now officially known as the pod gallery. And as you can see, it is perfect, as if it were commissioned just for that spot.  And any time I look at it, I’m immediately cheered up by the brilliant color scheme and the beautifully textured blooms. Of every piece in our small but pretty great collection of art by Arkansas artists, I know this will always be my favorite.

New People Store Floor, art by Yuichi Yokoyama

My recent visit to SanFrancisco introduced me to an interesting venue designed by Japanese designer Seiji Horibuchi.  New People  is not just a store, it’s a mini mall in the heart of Japan Town that is filled with the finest in Japanese conceptual art.  The four floors of wondrous finds took seven years to actualize.  The most interesting thing about the place is that it is not just a shopping experience, there is a cafe, art gallery, movie theater and a store all in one space.  The space is a reflection of modern Japanese culture.

New People Entrance

You can’t miss the modern facade of the building which is nestled among older structures.  Upon entering there is a cafe that is home to this colorful, very Japanese artwork by Yoshitaka Amano which graces the lobby.  The piece is brightly coated with auto paint and metallic glitter.

Word Wall by Noritake a Japanese Illustrator

Store Interior Detail, Japanese toys are some of the most fanciful around. 

Lolita Dresses are the Japanese Goth expression.  There is an entire floor devoted to this style under the title of  the “Peace Now” collection.  They asked me if I wanted to try one on but that just seemed rediculous, I don’t think I could have buttoned the first button!

In addition to the black line of clothing there was an interesting twist on costume, I believe it was called “Valentina“.  These dresses were very colorful and ornate with ruffles and themes and I was told that this style has been around in Japan for 400 years and that adults wear it regularly as an evening dress option.  Here are some look-a-likes.

Maids Dresses (seriously)

A visit to New People in Japan Town  is in order if you are in the area of San Francisco, CA.  It’s one step up from China Town with all the bells and whistles.

The Mission district in the city of  San Francisco, California is chock full of street art.  So much so that I could not resist taking these photos if not for the pattern then for the colors, wow, such wonderful combinations abound.  This “Eyes of Buddah” garage door is just a hoot.  I am seriously in love with this idea. 

Most of the art is painted boldly on the front of the buildings and some of it is done in narrow alleyways.  Anyway you slice it, this stuff is simply amazing.

Blue Krishna  (or Buddah)

Alley Art

Elephant Close Up

Dino Scene

Kelidescope Color

Tower Drawing

Flying Houses

Details

 Cafe Gratitude

More

This last one is “Fredia Khalo” esque… way cool! 

* All photos by Patti Boker Elkon

Photo courtesy of designer

My friend suggested I go visit KSUT in Carmei Yosef, 35km (22mi) south-east of Tel-Aviv – a beautiful spot in the Judean foothills.  She thought I’d love the textile studio. And she was right.

Edit Kaplan Friedberg is unique among many designers and people. She is charming, amicable and modest. However her creations are outstanding. Fabric sculpture that you can wear if you are brave enough, if not display it in your home.

Photo courtesy: Ynet

A scholarship recipient, graduate and mentor at the Shenkar College of Engineering and Design, she specialized in textile and fashion design.  She also worked as an undergarment designer for Delta Studio with big name clients such as Marks & Spencer, Hanes and Ralph Lauren.

While on relocation with her husband in London she studied art privately and worked on designing props and costumes for a fringe theatre. Now I see where her playfulness comes from.

Photo courtesy of designer

About eight years ago she decided to open her own studio: KSUT which means garment, clothing, cover for the body or coating in Hebrew.

I met her at her studio in the lower level of her home.

Every corner is filled with textiles, colour, texture, combination of fabrics, buttons, jewelry and innovation.

Some are “under construction” or should I say “under creation”.

Each piece is unique. She also collects fabric and crafts from various places in Israel as well as abroad.

Remember when your mother told you to ‘Accessorize! Accessorize!’ Well, this is definitely the right place to come.

Above are felt covered pebbles to be used as paperweights. Note the uncovered pebble in the foreground.

Photo courtesy of SOHO

Photo courtesy of SOHO

Amazingly creative, she claims to get her inspiration from nature. The above reminds me of soft flower petals and a shawl textured like an octopus tentacle.

Edit considers herself a textile researcher – constantly looking for ways to make 2D into 3D coverings using tying, knots, knitting, sewing etc.

Instead of throwing away extra threads lying about she bunches them up into balls. Sometimes using them as packing material and adding a twig from outside just for good measure.  Alternatively it can be used as an Afro.

Edit has typically had an exhibition every year since 2005. She is a member of AIDA: association of Israel’s decorative arts.

Photo courtesy: Efrat Shaked

Her upcoming exhibition will be in Boston April 9-11, 2010  at CRAFTBOSTON

She will have a website up shortly displaying many more photos of her extraordinary work.  In the meantime you can contact her at edit.fr@gmail.com or call ahead +972-(0)54-4998175 before visiting.

All images and text copyright Judy Weiss. All rights reserved.

A new exhibition of large tapestries entitled “Sipurei Badim” (a play on the Hebrew words: fabrics tell stories meaning Fairy Tales) by the extraordinary multidisciplinary Israeli artist (and dancer):  Noa Eshkol opened at the Tefen Industrial Park.

Fortunately I happened to be in the north (of Israel) before the opening date. So I could take my time snapping away without anyone in the way. My only time constraint was my husband’s eagerness to go to the Car Collection next door. But who knows maybe he’ll do a guest post one day.The exhibition displays 35 (3.5  x 2.5 meters) out of 1,500 tapestries. Noa made them from the start of the Yom Kippur War (1973) until her death in 2007. The works of art give rise to a powerful and impressionable aesthetic experience.

All the tapestries are made of fabric remnants that over the years were collected and brought to Noa Eshkol.

She had a golden rule in tapestry making: no shape could be cut and only fabric scraps that were meant for trash were allowed to be used.

From these cuttings she created singularly original shapes, compositions and colours.

The textures, colours and fabric designs create an illusion of depth, complexity and sensory movement. Not unusual since she was a dancer, choreographer and co-developer of a dance notation system.

Each tapestry appears to be fabric but at times looks like a painting and at others a 3-D sculpture.

The results are not random but rather very carefully planned and like Noa Eshkol herself, unpredictable and unconventional.

The exhibition runs from January 2nd through July 28th, 2010. It’s worth a trip north to catch these fabric tales.

All images copyright Judy Weiss. All rights reserved.

Rabbi Painting by Artist David Pelbam

Two weeks ago I happened upon the painting shown above at my local thrift shop.  When I first saw it I chuckled because the town where I live is not overly Jewish and as a matter of fact there are two prominent churches quit near each other in the town center.  I put it aside and did not think twice, but when I paid a visit to the thrift shop yesterday the painting had been shoved into A dark corner and had been reduced from $20.00 to $10.00 and so I purchased it.   I originally bought it for the frame but after a bit of research I found that I had an authentic work of art done by a local Rhode Island painter by the name of David Pelbam sometime between 1950-1960.

There is not much information available about this artist but apparently he was born in 1932 and was best known for painting portraits of dock workers, ship captains and rabbis, go figure.

If anyone knows anything about the artist or the rabbi featured above I would love to know more.  For the time being he is hanging in my living room.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I can’t believe it’s 2010! It seems like a fictional number to me. But it is 2010, and a new year has started.

So, to start the new year with inspiration, light and beauty I decided to review a particularly inspiring artist – Adam Frank. Frank is an internationally known artist and designer who works with light and shadows. For someone who loves photography, this idea is very interesting to me and the mere concept of working with light and shadow as materials for artwork and design is fascinating.

Aside from his captivating installations which can be viewed on his website, Mr Frank has 2 main products for sale: Lumen and Reveal.

Lumen is a series of oil lamp shadow projectors made of acid etched stainless steel. I really loved these.

When they burn, the shadows flicker and move organically on the wall.

Here’s another one I liked. Here you can also see the oil lamp burning:

They are all so beautiful

Reveal, is equally as beautiful and fascinating. The product creates the illusion of real sunlight streaming through a window and we all know how great a beam of sunlight makes us feel.

This sleek lamp can be fixed onto a shelf, on the wall or ceiling.

This is what the lamp projector looks like:

It’s really neat and looks like a spotlight.

And the ambient light produced by the neat projector:

How about an arch window:

Some ivy:

I don’t know about you, but I can actually hear the leaves rustling outside the window!

These are sold on Adam Frank’s website and at the MoMA store you can find the Lumen series.