Heide Fasnacht -- AOD

"Fabrication," tape, 2006


"Exploding Airplane," styrofoam, 2000

Heide Fasnacht is today's artist -- and no, it's not just because she was born in Ohio. (I have had the Cleveland Cavs' jam "Come on, Cavs" in my head all afternoon.) But this is on a different plane. I like her use of color and how she choses specific materials to examine and deconstruct physical space.

Old Timers

I bet this guy played this instrument. (Note: this is the current display at the Berkshire's famously slow Holiday Inn.)

To Read

Image Inspiration

I took this picture in my old local thrift store for those out there who think life CAN always be a beach.

Bunny Money

One of my all time favorite illustrators, Rosemary Wells, came up with this genius idea: you can make your own money to buy bunnies with! Or...perhaps to buy carrots from bunnies. I will investigate this further.

Memories

A card I sent to my brother years ago! I love the idea behind this pranksters game here. Sort of looks like Dr. Evil, no?

Image Inspiration

Life Lessons Welcome.

Nava Lubelski -- AOD

1997 Tax File, shredded paper and glue, 2007

This time of year especially, it encourages me that someone can still find creativity in their taxes. Lubelski manipulates the paper into 3-D coils and redefines the experience most people encounter with their tax documents.

Animal Life Magazine Cover

...and if you think that's good, just wait until you read inside. Highlights include "Learning 4 legged Lessons" and "Reflections on Winter" by a house cat named Snowball.

Image Inspiration

The visuals floored me in, “A State of Mind,” a documentary about two young North Korean female gymnasts as they prepare for the city’s Mass Games. This communist society’s celebration involves innumerable performers and unprecedented practice time. I guarantee that the footage of the Games will leave your color palate fully satiated!
It made me want to:
1. find my rotary phone collection
2. pick up the accordian again
3. eat kimchi
4. go to the gym

Pet Post

Emma, resting near the words she lives by


Jemma with her Bowie/Manson eyes, ready for treats

James Gilbert -- AOD

"Vowed to Learn Blood Type After a Near Fatal Nosebleed"
Oil on canvas, 2007

Today's artist reveals the painting's haunted inner Rothko. With a nose bleed. Is it just me, or is it the season?!

To Read

Spencer Finch vs. Jim Dine

A contemporary battle over the colorful rectangle.

What is the What With Puppets?

They are suddenly all the rage again. This past weekend I saw a puppet set in the Berkshires with metal bins filled with felt creatures and water works equipment. Now the U of Penn's ICA is hosting a puppet show of their own.

Sketchbook 17

More crafts

In addition to making quilts, I would also like to learn how to make plaid jumpsuits for little ones!

Hmmm.....very interesting

Some etymology I wasn't aware of for Liza Jane

Wheelchair Back Flip

Amazing kid with Spina Bifida makes history! The "yeah" at the end is incredible...

Sherry Markovitz -- AOD

"Embroidered" 2004

Today's artist is known primarily for her beaded sculpture, but this gouache caught my eye.

Rabbit Rescue

Too many people have sent this to me (thank youze!) -- so I've decided to share it with those who haven't yet.

Image Inspiration -- Uncle Al

These pics are in loving memory of my amazing Uncle Al. He built bars, nutcrackers, trains --and above all, an awesome family.

Sketchbook 16

Jukebox

"Life is a ballgame" Sister Wynona Carr
"Weary Blues" Hank Williams
Weird Techno beats from the Polish Supermarket
The Lester Young jam they were playing in Starbucks --so catchy!

Ik-Joong Kang -- AOD

Today's artist, Korean-born New Yorker Ik-Joong Kang, collected and arranged over 38,000 children's drawings from 135 countries and created this piece, "Amazed World." I believe the show has been traveling since 2002. Makes me miss drawing with kids. Also makes me want to build forts!

And on a lighter note...

Cheers!

Kaari Upson

My dislike for this overly "loved-up" holiday has brought me back to the scary side of love, as shown by artist Kaari Upson. She takes a story of a playboy she once dated and teases/tortures the audience as the lines of her true identity are as blurred as they are exposed. From the Hammer press release: "He became her obsession. Her lover. Her nemesis. Her muse. Her father. This was not even about finding out who Larry was anymore. She had crossed the line and blindly leapt into an alternate world. As [Upson] explains it, 'The objective reality of the man I construct collapses into the subjective fiction I create, until they merge and I am more him than he is.'"

Image Inspiration

This piece by James Rosenquist is the first and only piece I have ever liked of his. Is this because:

1. the title, "Hommage to Frank O'Hara" makes me think of Frank O'Hara, whom I adore?
2. the murky blue water with reflecting flag reminds me of fourth of Julys spent on the Chesapeake Bay?
3. I found this image in an antiquated box that clearly had not been opened for 20 years, thus giving me a rush from art ghosts past?!

Aaron Morse -- AOD

The Hammer Museum's "hot and now" space (as I like to call it), is currently covered with collaged murals by LA artist Aaron Morse.

Best co-worker ever.

Does anybody have this book?

I need it.

Oh Uno! Standing O!

Brian Rubenacker -- AOD

Ready for a ride. A snack. Some games. Who doesn't love this terrier?!

Get Ready

If this doesn't get your feet movin and your hands clappin, I give up.

Sketchbook 14

Little Boxes

Sketchbook 13

Stay focused.

Sheng Qi -- AOD

see more at fourfinger.net

Image Inspiration

Image via a fellow bird hater

Cat Dreads and Pup Licks

Alida Cervantes -- AOD

Often art catches my eye and urges me to make the artist of said piece the Artist of the Day here. More often than you would believe, once I do a shred of research on the artist, their collection leaves me flabbergasted that I ever liked anything by the artist in the first place. I am left startled that I sought out after a mere aberration. And then there are times of joyful glee and surprise when I discover that I adore his or her entire line. This brings me to Alida Cervantes and her cohesive, playful and skillful portrait series; today's AOD.

Image Inspiration

Kris Cox, mixed media, 2007

This painting makes me think of:

1. My brother and my secret language (that we seriously need to archive now before our minds start turning to oatmeal)
2. Nike, and consequently, the fact that I should run more
3. The children's cult classic, "In a Minute" where everyone keeps telling a baby kangaroo to wait. "Just a Minute" could have been equally as effective for title options.

Scoli Acost

LA<->ART Gallery currently shows Scoli Acosta's take on throwaways. Egg crates mingle with utility tape, balancing on painted bricks and sound generating machines. I was impressed with how much of the work had been completed within mere days of the show's launch. It seemed to fit with the Los Angeles vibe of urgency for the new and fresh. Overall, Acosta created a fun-derland of unique craftsmanship and stood out as an artist of note.