"You’re So Dada, Baby, and You Don’t Even Know It": This Week in Censorship

If there’s anything I’ve learned as an art historian, it is that the question, “Is it art or not?” is boring. The REAL question is, “Is it good or not?”

Recently, there have been a couple examples of society negating both questions by asking, “Is it possibly offensive to anyone?” and quickly answering its own question with a resounding, “YES! So-take-it-down-for-the-love-of-god-already!”

This week’s Exhibit A: The Smithsonian bows to conservative pressure and removes a controversial artwork by David Wojnarowicz, A Fire in My Belly (1986-87). The video piece is a montage of scenes that juxtapose conservative religious themes and the suffering of people with AIDS/HIV, and it serves as a biting criticism of the Roman Catholic Church’s stance on those issues. Watch A Fire in My Belly on Youtube by clicking here, signing a waiver, and publicly admitting guilt for any crimes you will definitely, absolutely commit after watching this video.


This week’s Exhibit B: The LA MOCA whitewashes its own vaguely politically-charged mural by Blu, a renowned street artist who was part of the exhibition meant to honor subversive street artists. Click here to see the almost-interesting mural that LA MOCA deemed too interesting to be seen by the public eye.

There is a fundamental hypocrisy in our society: pining for cutting-edge art while silencing any artistic voice that doesn’t fall neatly into one’s adopted belief system.


Flashback 93 years: Dada artist Marcel Duchamp [friend and supporter of studio 1021*] submitted this work, Fountain (above, photographed by Alfred Steiglitz), to The Society of Independent Artists. It is a urinal turned at a 90-degree angle and signed with a pseudonym, and it was submitted to a show that stated all works would be accepted. The work was not accepted or exhibited.

The irony? Duchamp was a board member of The Society of Independent Artists, but he resigned after proving that the exhibit was not really “open” after all. After that, Duchamp's oeuvre has been legendary for his contribution to the Dada movement, which is characterized as an anti-art movement because of its challenges to preconceived notions of art.


Have we learned nothing about censorship in the last century?

* Not true at all. Unless you are not smart enough to realize that he’s been dead for 42 years. Then, yes, totally, Marcel Duchamp is an avid fan of studio 1021.

Last image: David Wojnarowicz’s Arthur Rimbaud in New York (Duchamp) (1978–79/2004).

Synchronicity in Art Gives a Snapshot of Life

Recently, I’ve come across the work of two artists who are juxtaposing images in a way that makes the viewer think about the concept of time. Even though I don’t own a watch (evidenced by my chronic tardiness) and have never really understood “Time” as a man-made concept (evidenced by my lack of mastery of Daylight Savings Time), I love thinking about what has taken place at a particular spot over the course of history. Who lived in my house when it was first built in 1937? What did they do, what did they argue about, what did they want out of life?

Jo Teeuwisse, a historical consultant in Amsterdam, explored her curiosity about her city’s past after finding World War II era negatives at a flea market. She found the location of the images and layered them over her own recent photographs. Click here to see more images and read an interview with Teeuwisse about her work.




From a contemporary perspective, artist Erin Cooney sought to capture one minute of life from people across the globe in her Simultania Project. Cooney states, “The Simultania Project is about having people from all over the world film and record sound during the same 1-minute-moment in time on Saturday, November 13, and then assembling the resulting footage into a video installation that plays back all the simultaneous perspectives together and in sync.” I especially like the soundscape Cooney complied from the video submissions. Click here to see the project.

Touching Strangers: Awkwardness or Awesomeness?

Photographer Richard Renaldi is exploring human connections and separation in his photography. Basically, he asks two complete strangers if they would be willing to touch each other and pose for a photograph while doing so. Awkward? Especially here in the LA area, most have limited interaction with people they don't know, because we're often in our cars. How would you react if asked to touch a complete stranger for a photo? Renaldi has come up with some great juxtapositions that instantly make you want to know more about his subjects. Read more about Renaldi in Brad Horn's story for NPR: http://www.npr.org/blogs/pictureshow/2010/11/01/130974145/touching-strangers

clay: musings about the dirty stuff that blows my mind

Since I don’t mind getting a little dirty, ceramics is the perfect art form for me. I don’t mind being covered from head to toe with splatters of clay. This is often literally the case. When leaving my studio to get a drink from the kitchen, there's a trail of powdered footprints leading to a goop-daubed coffee mug, which is held by my dry, clay-caked hand (FYI, this is in stark contrast to Patrick’s meticulous painting practices).

This raw, dirty quality is part of the primordial appeal of working with clay. Its tactile qualities attract kids, amateur hobbyists, fine artists, and people from all other walks of life. Who hasn’t held a malleable ball of clay in their hands and not wanted to make something out of it? We’ve all rolled a lump of clay into a coil and pretended it was a snake (ok, maybe it was Play-doh, but the impulse remains the same). Perhaps it’s a primordial urge to mold vessels like our ancestors made for thousands of years. Perhaps it is a way to reconnect with the earth. Or, maybe it’s just fun.

It’s easy.

It lacks the pretentious restrictions of “high-art” media. Clay is a medium for self-expression that seems to come naturally to everyone, and that is where I find the excitement in it. People are creative beings by nature, and ceramics are an accessible path to expressing that creativity. Who knows what people will create next? What will you create next?

Throughout years of working with clay, I've developed a personal philosophy inspired by its qualities: a loose metaphor for life. Clay is from the earth, and, ultimately, returns to the earth. It can be shaped into infinite forms, but just add water and it returns to its basic state. It will reveal any texture you press into it like a written history. If there is a flaw that is masked while building a piece, it will eventually reveal itself in the final product. It is strong enough to stretch to delicate lengths. However, it has limits and will break, slump, or crumble when pushed beyond them. But, even if that flaw rears its ugly head or the beautiful masterpiece becomes a hideous eyesore, just add water, and start over. Its a lump of clay again, ready to be something new.

In my work, I am deeply influenced by forms in nature. Even when I'm not thinking about it, organic forms take shape; it is just part of my artistic voice. I'm not a fan of rigidity or straight lines, as they so rarely occur in nature.


(All images above are the intellectual property of Sonia Farrand)



Below: a few of my favorite artists with whom I feel an aesthetic affinity

Antoni Gaudi























Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec



























Steven Hill
































Salvador Dali

Photos from the Painting and Ceramics Art Show

Thank you so much to everyone who came out and made the event a huge success. Patrick and I were excited to share the work we have been producing, and we can't wait to have more shows in the near future!

Studio 1021 in Everything Long Beach

Studio 1021 was featured in Everything Long Beach, and they mentioned our upcoming show (Saturday, October 2)! Check it out:

Studio 1021 is presenting a one-night exhibition featuring the vibrant paintings of Patrick Farrand and the organic ceramic sculptures and pottery of Sonia Farrand. Come see the work of Studio 1021’s owners, while enjoying a complimentary hors d’oeuvre and cocktail reception. Support the Long Beach arts at this entirely FREE event.
The Studio 1021 one-night exhibition is Saturday, October 2, 2010, from 7-10 p.m. Studio 1021 is located at 1021 E. Broadway Long Beach, CA 90802.

Read more at:

http://www.everythinglongbeach.com/studio-1021s-painting-and-ceramics-exhibition/

Painting and Ceramics Art Show at Studio 1021!

Come join us on Saturday, October 2 for a one-night exhibition here at Studio 1021! Patrick and I have been hard at work in the studio, and we are excited to show off our newest pieces. For those who don't know, I (Sonia) make ceramic sculptures and pottery, and Patrick will be showcasing his newest paintings and drawings. Come support Studio 1021 while enjoying a complimentary hors d'oeuvre and cocktail reception at this entirely FREE event. And bring friends. We love friends.

1021 E. Broadway Long Beach, CA 90802
Saturday, October 2, 2010 7-10 p.m.

Click the image below for a map, and please spread the word!

Art Discovery: Leonardo da Vinci's Ultrathin Paint Layers

Leonardo da Vinci is well known for evoking subtlety and mystery in his paintings, but only recently did scientists discover a technique he used to accomplish this effect. Apparently, da Vinci layered up to 30 coats of paint on his work, and each layer was no more than a glaze. All together, the 30 layers of paint are still half the thickness of a human hair!

Though impasto (thick, visible layers of paint), is a commonly used painting style today, I think there are contemporary lessons to be learned from this discovery. If you are deliberately painting thickly to accomplish your artistic vision, that's one thing. But if you are using multiple layers of paint to mask imperfections (or lack of substance), then it might be time to look to the old masters and refine your approach.

Interestingly, this discovery was the result of new x-ray technology that can distinguish between paint layers without requiring a sample from the painting. After all, no one wants to gouge a chunk out of the Mona Lisa! Well, maybe Michelangelo would have . . . (a little Art History humor? anyone??)

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/07/16/french-scientists-crack-s_n_649350.html

Twitter This: Social Media Creates Art

At the intersection of social media, technology, and art, there is The Hello Wall.

In London, a non-profit art organization called Wasted Spaces takes empty buildings and uses them as temporary showcases for art shows and installations. These days, commercial spaces can sit empty for long periods of time, but utilizing them for art exhibitions keeps the surrounding neighborhood from appearing like a wasteland. The ghost-town affect can have grave domino-like consequences for the community, but the art keeps things vibrant (often more successfully than when the building was rented to a business). We have a similar organization in the LA area called Phantom Galleries, and their installations have been a wonderful asset to downtown Long Beach.

The Hello Wall is "an installation that uses Twitter to let the public interact with the huge wall projection. Users can interact with the wall by tweeting to @thehellowall using words such as shapes (triangles, squares, circles), commands (more, less, shake) or just say hello to @thehellowall." The tweeted directives will materialize on The Hello Wall, so the artwork becomes the product of technology, social media and public interaction. I'm not a tweeter (yet), but this might convert me . . .

http://design-milk.com/the-hello-wall/

Sonia

Graffiti art or graffiti "art"?

These articles are particularly well timed, since someone tagged the wall of Studio 1021 yesterday. While we enjoyed their choice of a playful purple instead of the bland neutrals they usually use on our walls, it was still a nuisance. Even though we "erased" the work, it reminds me of discussions I've had in modern art classes, and I'd like to hear what you all think.

Is graffiti art?

Ultimately, this harkens back to the essential question of the definition of art. Even though the graffiti on our studio was upsetting to us, I'm not completely willing to discount all graffiti as a mere nuisance. I remember traveling in Germany and Switzerland and being absolutely blown away (in a good way) by graffiti. It exists on walls (there is/was one rather memorable wall with graffiti in Berlin), on trains . . . and I have to say, some of it was truly beautiful (in my opinion, of course). So, I follow the school of thought that graffiti can be art. However, I'm not compelled to say that, therefore, ALL graffiti is art. I can say that I appreciate the questions it raises about the definition of art, and I think it is always a fascinating discussion.

Think about performance, installation, and public art that has been controversial. What are some of the characteristics of the work that compel the viewer to evaluate or disregard it? In the 60's Ed Ruscha joined the canon of modern art with his "word paintings." He often painted words and sayings on his canvases; how different is this from painting on walls or other objects with a spray can? I'm feeling like stirring things up today. What do you think?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/08/08/positive-graffiti-the-mos_n_674761.html

http://www.npr.org/blogs/pictureshow/2010/08/17/129251257/misrach

LONG POSE 9+ HOURS! MUST SIGN UP!!

To all Studio 1021 fellow artists!

To address various requests, we have decided to try to set up a 9 hour pose, broken up into three weekly sessions of three hours each from 6-9 pm. They will be held on the following days in September:

Thursday, September 2nd, 6-9
Thursday, September 9th, 6-9
Thursday, September 16th, 6-9

In order for this to work, you must sign-up by Friday the 20th of August, and there must be a minimum of 6 people signed up by then or it will be canceled. The cost is $50 for the three workshops and will include wine and light snacks. If the minimum attendance registration is reached by Aug 20th, the $50 fee must be pre-paid by August 27th (cash, check or PayPall accepted). I apologize for the “strict due dates,” but it necessary in order to assure Melissa, the model, time enough to book other work if it ends up not happening, for as of now she is holding these three dates for us.

To sign up, please respond with an email to info@studio1021.com and please include all necessary contact information.

As I mentioned above, the model will be Melissa, and there will be a potential fourth session to be held on the 23rd, if we decide as a group that we want and/or need it.

This is a GREAT opportunity to do a refined painting and/or drawing! All levels of ability are of course welcome! Let’s make this happen!! :)

Sincerely,
Patrick and Sonia Farrand

Paris' Art Scene Goes Underground . . . Literally in Caves!

Check out this fascinating article about a totally off-beat art scene in Paris! Tunnels that were constructed in the 17th century and also include catacombs from the era are being used as an unconventional canvas for art. A small but growing group of Parisian's steal away into the caves to explore the history, paint murals or throw a party. Some areas of the tunnels are restricted from public access, but that doesn't stop everyone. One muralist interviewed for the story has just unveiled his third mural in the tunnel, which took him one year to complete.

I love to hear about how artists bring their creativity to unexpected places. I think, when you open up to it, the entire world is a canvas. Yesterday, I was picking up some clay for my next round of sculptures and read this post on the memo board, "Art should not be held captive in museums. It should live among us."

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704271804575405283969684798.html?mod=WSJ_ArtsEnt_LifestyleArtEnt_4

Studio 1021 Teams up with Arts Council for LB Arts Month

As the arts community in Long Beach becomes more united and visible in the community, the Arts Council for Long Beach is giving all art-related businesses a fantastic opportunity for creativity in October! October is National Arts and Humanities Month, and the artists of Long Beach want to make it a smashing success. The Arts Council for Long Beach has created GLOBAL, a citywide celebration of the arts. Creative businesses all over Long Beach will be participating with exhibitions and performances, from all branches of the arts! This is so exciting for both our studio and our city, because we are all here to see the creative energy grow and flourish.

As part of GLOBAL, Studio 1021 will be showcasing an exhibition of painting, ceramics, and iron work while celebrating our one-year anniversary in business! Our exhibition's opening night will be Saturday, October 2, 2010 from 7-10 p.m. Come on out and enjoy the food, drinks, and, of course, ART! We are also looking into small-scale musical performance options, so you're ideas are appreciated (we don't have a ton of space, but we'd like to support local musicians and listen to live music).

More to come, but put 10.2.10 on your calendar for Studio 1021!

Summer is here! Sign your kids up for art classes at Studio 1021!

LOCATION FOR SUNDAY 23RD!!

The location for this coming Sunday the 23rd, "Painting Outdoors. Landscape. People. Places," will be on the Marina Green Park in downtown Long Beach. There is MUCH to paint there, from the Green Park itself, the Queen Mary, the harbor with many boats, the ocean and beach off to the east, Long Beach Convention Center, skyline and buildings of downtown Long Beach and anything else you can choose to paint! There is ample parking (must pay) and is easy to get to from Studio 1021, less than 5 minutes away. I will be there by 9:45 setting up, you will see me on top of the "small hill/rise," closer to Linden Ave. The event is free, so please come and paint with fellow artists! Remember to bring sunscreen, water, etc., that you may wish to have with you . . . and of course all of your painting supplies! I will bring extra drawing benches that work fine to paint on if you don't have an easel. See you Sunday at 10 a.m.!
Located just off of E. Shoreline Dr., just east of Shoreline Village, "across" from Rainbow Lagoon Park and Long Beach Convention Center. From Studio 1021, go west to Alamitos Ave., turn left, take that through Ocean Blvd and it turns into E. Shoreline Dr. Follow it down a slight hill to S. Linden Ave, turn left and then right into the parking lot. I will be right there.

"Painting outdoors. Landscape. People. Places"
There has been a strong interest from my fellow artists to schedule an outdoor event . . . so here it is!! Let's give it a try! Sunday, May 23rd at 10am. I will be in contact with all of you and keep you informed with all the particulars as I figure them out myself. I'm looking forward to it, and thank all of you for your continued support and ideas. We are very happy to be a part of this artistic community and we look forward to its continued growth!

Hello to all fellow artists!
With the intent to continue moving things forward creatively by offering some variety here at Studio 1021, we are adding a little artistic diversity to our Wednesday night schedule. On the second Wednesday night of each month, the workshop focus will be a costumed, 3-hour pose (first one on April 14th). This will enable artists to do a larger, more refined drawing if desired, and painters will have the opportunity to paint the model for a long, 3-hour pose. For now, the two new workshop varieties will be "Second Wednesday: Costumed/Long Pose Workshop" AND “Second Sunday: Portrait/Long Pose Workshop” in the same week each month. Our goal is to keep the painting momentum moving by allowing everyone to have their paints ‘out’ and ready to roll if they would like to paint both days each month. Of course, for non-painters, it gives the opportunity to complete more polished works of art!

For clarification:Second Sunday: Portrait/Long Pose Workshop: This is geared towards the portrait and the model will be seated.
Second Wednesday: Costumed/Long Pose Workshop: There will be a strong emphasis on the pose and composition, and the model will be costumed. The model may be standing, seated, or reclining, and the composition may include props as well.

If people like this (aka, a lot of people show up!), then we can consider doing this twice a month if artists are interested. As always, we appreciate feedback and we are always looking to give our artists the kind of workshops they want. However, we can't know what you want unless you tell us! :) So please, if you have any requests and/or feedback, do not hesitate to let us know, and we will do our best to accommodate.
Hope to see you soon at Studio 1021!
Patrick and Sonia Farrand

Hello All!
I have decided to do a "Second Sunday Portrait/Long Pose Workshop!" It will be held every second Sunday of each month (the first one being March 14th at 10a-1p). It will be ONE seated pose with emphasis on the portrait. Of course you are welcome to paint and/or draw the entire figure (model may be fully or partially clothed). Any medium is welcome but please be considerate of others when using oils and solvents (meaning odorless and non-toxic please).
Looking forward to the workshop and seeing you there,
Patrick Farrand

For those who follow the "MEETUP" calender, my apologies for the lapse in keeping up with it. YES! There is a workshop tonight at 6pm! See you soon!
Patrick

Well OF COURSE "right after" I posted that the workshop was canceled . . . it stopped raining! Ahhhhhh such is life. The good side to this adventure is that the studio is fine, the source of the leak was found and dealt with! So all is good!! I look forward to seeing you on Friday(s) from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and of course Wednesdays from 6 to 9 p.m.

MY APOLOGIES TO ALL BUT I MUST CANCEL TONIGHTS WORKSHOP! As it turns out the studio is 'flooding' (to a certain degree). Plus the water level on Broadway is OVER the curb and reaching towards my place. All is good, but I must take care of my place tonight rather than draw.
Once again sorry for the inconvenience and I will see you soon.
Be safe (and create!),
Patrick

Ohhh the rain! But ALAS!! . . . Studio 1021 is still having the workshop because we believe that even in the eye of the storm Creativity MUST go on! See you tonight at 6!

Ahhhh January 10th and I finally have a second to put up a new post! We had our first workshop at 10:30 a.m. this last Friday the 8th and all went well. One person showed up at 10 but other than that all seemed to have gotten the message about the time change. It works much better for me and seems to not bother anyone who comes. So it's set! . . .10:30 a.m. on Friday's (as you already know). :)
Looking forward to 2010! Create, create, create!!!