Deitch LIC -- Art Review

The decorated entrance can be found through the fences on the water's edge with a breathtaking view of the city

Installation view of Vanessa Beecroft's project, "VB64"

Beecroft's sculptures lying on plywood in a massive, empty room

Visit Deitch here
More on the artist here

Window Pup

Thanks to Trish for this cutie pup!!

Great Distractions

Another thing to distract you from Pitt's loss is tonight's STAR TREK episode of Family Guy (9pm on Fox):

Go Boldly!!

Pet Post -- Rough Madness

Despite the devastating loss of Pittsburgh making it to the top of my March Madness bracket, I was able to keep my spirits up when I saw the fun that Peter and Lyle were having together:

Who jokes around like that?!!

Mequitta Ahuja -- AOD

"Dream Region," 2009

"Bundle," 2008

"Off the Edge," 2007

Today's artist takes inspiration from one of my favorite poets, Audre Lorde. Ahuja writes that her "Automythograph[ies] combines history, myth and personal narrative."

Images and more info at Saatchi Gallery

Hunter Gatherer -- TONIGHT!!

Hunter Gatherer presents a dynamic mix of country-noir, jazz and blues. The group's leader, Peter Bitenc, originally conceived this band as an instrumental trio for a film that does not exist. Peter was inspired by the disparate sounds of Angelo Badalamenti, Neko Case, Doc Watson, and Robert Stillman's Horses. Recently, Peter began singing his songs interspersed with the original instrumental material. With Jonathan Goldberger on guitar and Carlo Costa on drums, Hunter Gatherer has also expanded to include Liz McFadden's back-up vocals and Kyle Kegerreis on bass. Come check it out tonight (March 27) at Freddy's Back Room: aka the best bar in the world. Cheers!

Image Inspiration

"The Face of a Boy Hearing For the First Time"

"This photo was taken by photographer Jack Bradley and depicts the exact moment this boy, Harold Whittles, hears for the very first time ever. The doctor treating him has just placed an earpiece in his left ear. Date unknown."

via Buzzfeed

This reminds to appreciate everything in my life as a true gift -- hope it can do the same for you!

Calico Cleans Fennec Fox!!

I thought this only happened in my dreams...

Leoluca Escobar -- AOD

"I Really Do Need Glasses"

"Cockroach"

More from this quirky illustrator here

Denim Dreams

I had a dream last night that I was covered in denim wares and dancing like crazy. I am researching how to make this a reality.

Image Inspiration -- Uzo Egonu

"Piccadilly Circus," 1966
(c) Uzo Egonu Collection and Archive

This painting makes me want to:

1. Ride friendly public transportation
2. Drink another Coca-Cola
3. Go to an underwater Bull Fight in London

Pet Post -- Loving Lyle

With a tough exterior armed with squeaking boxing gloves and all, there's no chance you're heart won't melt when you get a minute with this pup!!

Sweet guy takes a break after a long day

Our feet are almost the same size!!

Ian Robertson Duncan -- AOD

Each piece has a secret -- be it the smooth curved surface, the delicate use of gold, or the scratched off layers -- they all hide something that you are invited to investigate. The result intrigues, soothes, and offers a serenity achieved in the attention to detail.

Learn more about the artist's multifaceted talents at Winged Way.

Pet Post -- The Animal Odd Couple

Thank you, Karyn!! Utterly incredible.

Baracketology -- Obama's Picks

WISHING YOU AND YOURS A VERY HAPPY MARCH MADNESS!!

image via The White House

Image Inspiration

This photo by Jean Pierre Stoop makes me want to:

1. Clean my apartment immediately
2. Re-watch Mr. Clean commercials from way back when
3. Help more people with canes carry groceries
4. Buy white slacks for spring

Image Inspiration -- Dragons and Hindemith

I recently had the pleasure of enjoying the very talented Amelia Hollander Ames play a viola sonata by Paul Hindemith. It totally blew my mind. Then I saw these creatures hanging from the ceiling of the school and their faces represented the range of intensity and emotion that the music brought to life.

If the Blues Don't Cure Me...

I've been enjoying some incredible bluegrass lately and thought you might like to know about some killer bands playing around Brooklyn these days:

The Dive Bar Dukes at Freddy's Back Room

Smokey's Round Up at Sunny's Bar

The one and only Smokey Hormel (Who also turns out to be my friend's Godfather!?!)

Oh, and be sure you don't miss Crooked Still coming to town... cheers for now!

Pets -- Sheer Fun

From Best Friends Magazine: "A Bedouin leads sheep into the sea...once a year [and washes them] in the ocean to make it easier to cut the wool off before the highest temperatures of the summer arrive." I love their faces and the composition of this photo!!

Sachiko Kanaizumi -- AOD

These recent illustrations by this contemporary Japanese artist embolden the fairy tales that live within us and add a bit of brightness to this gray day... More here

images copyright (c) Sachiko Kanaizumi

Spotted: Hoyas Bus!

Go Georgetown!!!
This post is dedicated to my brother: You're swens.
More on Hoyas Basketball here

How's YOUR March Madness shaping up?!

Art Review - Spring at the Hirshorn

Robert Gober, "Untitled," 1990

This sculpture reminds me of my 9th grade History teacher. His wife picked out his clothes for him, from the tie all the way down to the socks.

See more "Strange Bodies" at the Hirshorn Museum this month -- a fun show full of surprises!

And while you're there, be sure to circle your way around Louise Bourgeois' retrospective. Not only did it distract me from daylight "savings," the show revealed the honesty and perseverance it takes to be an artist. Abstracted bronzed body parts dangle from the walls along side framed personal notes about the artist's true source of motivation. Something about Bourgeois reminds me of my grandmother -- aesthetically sensitive and endlessly creative, all the while making you feel nurtured by her unique sense of self.


Louise Bourgeois, "The Blind Leading the Blind," 1947-49

From the Hirshorn Collection

Pet Post

Two of my favorite things.

John Mann -- AOD

"Untitled (Libya)," 2007

Find out more about the artist and others through the wonderful Humble Postcard Project here

Martin Ramirez -- AOD

From the American Folk Art Museum: "Considered one of the self-taught masters of twentieth-century art, Martin Ramirez (1895 - 1963) created hundreds of drawings and collages of remarkable visual clarity and expressive power within the confines of DeWitt State Hospital in Auburn, California, where he resided for the last fifteen years of his life. Nearly one hundred of these drawings and collages were on view in the American Folk Art Museum's 2007 retrospective of the artist.

An astonishing development during the run of that exhibition was the discovery of a group of previously unknown works: more than 120 works on paper were brought to the museum's attention by Dr. Max Dunievitz. 'Martin Ramirez: The Last Works' features twenty-five artworks from this newly discovered treasure trove, including three drawings gifted to the American Folk Art Museum.

In this newly found body of work, Ramirez explored the same subjects and themes as in earlier years -- horseback riders, trains and tunnels, landscapes, Madonnas, and animals."

**They are throwing a party at the museum tonight with free admission and music so check it out if you can! More here **

Also, an interesting article about Ramirez in the NY Times here

Image Inspiration -- Kachinas

Various Kachinas, circa 1950-1960

These Kachinas were made by the Hopi peoples of Arizona. Each piece has its own meaning and purpose-- from representing hope and spirituality to protecting oneself from harm.

Pet Post

The way I see it, the more Bostons, the merrier...

Image via NYTimes

"CARDSHARPER" -- SVA MFA Thesis Show

Tonight's School of Visual Arts' MFA thesis exhibition is not to be missed! Featuring works of Amber Boardman, Samuel T. Adams, and Trish Tillman. More info on the opening and gallery hours/location here

Armsrock -- AOD

More incredibly rad work to be seen on his blog here
Get the book put out by the great people over at Wooster Collective here

Image Inspiration -- On the Runway

From the BBC: "A model displays an Agatha Ruiz De La Prada creation for her ready-to-wear collection as part of fashion week in Milan, Italy."

This image makes me wonder:

1. The size of one's confidence to place this in their "Ready to Wear" Collection
2. What my Halloween costume is going to be
3. Why do I suddenly want to eat piles of guacamole?!

Andrea Shear -- AOD

"Little Boxes 12"

"Little Boxes 13"

Visit her Etsy shop here and check out more art on her website here!

Image Inspiration

Spotted: Spring pathway in Los Angeles' newest creative hideout
Image via One Lucky Guy

Also spotted: A foot of snow in New York City
Image via Janice Dean