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Bonnie Shanas: Posted on Tuesday, May 10, 2011 5:16 PM
 There is no point in denying that as artists, participating in exhibits is an ambition highly regarded on our list of aspirations. For the most of us - we strive to share and offer our work to others, and yes, of course, we do hope to see profits from our efforts. But points of sales and exposure cannot be the drive alone. Art and the need to create do not transpire from commercial based perspectives… and it is not the exhibits, but the people we meet through them – that create some of the most interesting and rewarding chapters in our artistic paths. . I was recently invited to exhibit in a two person show in the Social Art Gallery, Albany, NY.  Paired with an artist I had yet to meet, I could only be intrigued, as her medium is as unique, if not more, than my own. Inspired by her own journey and principles, Ruxana Saifa, teaches us once again that the means to convey the importance of relationships and humanity are simply endless. By using address mailing labels, which would otherwise turn to waste, Ruxana creates human scenes that portray us and embrace us. Once you meet Ruxana, you will know why she is capable of such an accomplishment. Humble, kind, talented and genuinely sincere, there is no misreading her authenticity.  Needless to say our opening night was another heartening chapter. Thanks to all the supporting visitors and “re-visitors” (yes, you Wendy!!) as well as the welcoming staff members leading the Social Art Gallery project. Most of all, a huge thanks to Janet Tanguay, who knows how to make anything happen, works hard and although known by the company name of “Art n Soul”, she is to me – “Heart n Soul”. |
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Posted on Friday, March 18, 2011 7:23 AM
 I particularly enjoy creating dancers, which is why I proposed this as the theme for my work when chosen to participate in an invitational exhibition in Lancaster County Arts Association. With only nine available pieces currently in my studio, I needed to expand. So, haunted by previews and publicity over the new Black Swan film, I found myself compelled to revisit the classic ballet dancer. Why had I neglected this category? Is it only my perception, or have we undeservingly pushed these elegant creatures to the back row while favoring the contemporary and modern dancers over the years?  To begin my process I searched for inspiring models – sketches, pictures, material that depicts not just dancers' unique moments, but ones distinctive to ballet … Soon enough, I found myself lost in a treasure of eloquent gestures and undeniable grace, I begin. My first piece, Allegro – (although at the time I did not know there would be more), is taken from the Ballet glossary meaning brisk; lively; a term applied to all bright, fast, or brisk movements. With so many ideas, I couldn’t possibly be satisfied with just one pc… so... On to the second, Avant - moving forward (often used when the dancer is moving towards the audience). And last, for now, Adagio – at ease; (also known as a sequence of well-controlled, graceful movements performed as a display of skill;). The exhibit at Lancaster County Arts Association opens next weekend at 149 Precision Ave, Strasburg, PA Opening reception - March 27th, 1-5 pm. I’ll be showing there with four fellow artists, Denny Bond, Rosanne Colvard, Con Karlson, Bob Madden, (all participants selected from the 2010 annual LCAA exhibit) Hope to see some familiar faces! |
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Posted on Saturday, February 26, 2011 11:04 PM
Beginning March I will be exhibiting in “Together” – a group show taking place at New Century Gallery, in Chelsea, New York city. For me, this title takes on multilevel meanings. It’s not just a theme. We are 15 artists, 3 of which exhibiting works created in wire mesh.  “Do you mind?” a friend has just recently asked me. I’m not surprised by the question, I’ve been asked before. But, the answer is the same. Do potters mind that they share clay as their prime medium? Do painters mind that they share oil? True, there is often an advantage in introducing new mediums as the public eye searches for things they haven’t seen before. But can any artist actually claim his way just through the exclusivity of his medium? I would like to think not. Wire mesh is not common, but it’s not my invention either. I can claim rights on my concepts and their execution, but not on my choice of medium. Nor do I want to.  A flat sheet of wire mesh is no more than an empty canvas, a lump of clay. It’s what it is for all artists – a medium. What will evolve from it, the varying forms it will assume when deriving from different hands, hearts and minds – that is each artist’s uniqueness. So, do I mind? No. I’m happy to share the stage with other wire mesh artists, or should I say, other artists using wire mesh. |
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