ArtCantHurtU

By Benjamin Kabak

Taking a walk through the Columbus Circle station right now is one of the least pleasant experiences in the subway. Undergoing a complete rehab that is behind schedule, the station is hot and dusty. Platforms are cut off; walls are exposed; staircases are closed.

Eventually, the station will be completely transformed, but for now, it is in a perpetual state of construction. On Wednesday, a glimpse of color appeared amidst the construction as the Sol LeWitt Arts for Transit installation opened on a double-wide wall on a mezzanine in between the A/B/C/D and 1 train platforms.

The piece, shown above and again at the bottom of the post, was commissioned in 2004, and LeWitt, who passed away two years ago, selected the site himself. The work is 53 feet wide by 11 feet tall and is made of 250 porcelain tiles of six varying colors. It is called “Whirls and twirls (MTA)” and is one of the more vibrantly-colored entries in the Arts for Transit program.

“LeWitt’s genius comes through in this artwork, which is a major work of precision with its curves and bands in vibrant color that completely fills the space,” MTA Chairman H. Dale Hemmerdinger said. “It will become a landmark and is a great tribute to one of our major artists.”

Sadly, LeWitt is no longer with us to see the piece’s grand unveiling. He died in April 2007, but the artist is enjoying much posthumous success. As his obituary says, LeWitt was known for “deceptively simple geometric sculptures and drawings and ecstatically colored and jazzy wall paintings.” An exhibit of his works, recently named one of the top art shows in the nation, is on display for 25 years at Mass MoCA in North Adams, Massachusetts, and LeWitt was very much looking forward to his collaboration with the MTA.

“When an artist uses a conceptual form of art, it means that all of the planning and decisions are made beforehand and the execution is a perfunctory affair. The idea becomes a machine that makes the art,” he said in an Arts for Transit interview a year before his death.

After LeWitt’s death, Sandra Bloodworth, director of Arts for Transit and Facilities Design, worked closely with the artist’s family to ensure that his vision would be realized. “This project,” she said, “was filled with challenges, as we prepared several samples of tile and glazes to meet with Mr. LeWitt’s approval and found a facility that could produce large tiles mandated by the design. Working with Arts for Transit, his family and colleagues helped bring the project to completion. It is a very special and unique creation because it is a permanent public installation of a wall drawing, executed in porcelain tile. Usually the wall drawings are executed in paint or pencil based on exacting instructions by the artist.”

While some may criticize Arts for Transit as a superfluous use of money in tight economic times, LeWitt’s piece brings some color and levity to our normally serious commutes. It lightens up a once-dull space and should be recognized and embraced as a leading example of underground art.

Note:

Just another incredible example of what color, imagination ( hard work) and creativity can do for public places. After all, art does not have to be sepereate from society – it can enhance it!

Liven up your space with inexpensive art prints – you know you want to!

The foyer is the room that greets you as soon as you step through the front door. This is the first space and sometimes the only space guests see of your home, yet often foyers or entryways are neglected. This strikes me as odd. Somehow, I always think of the foyer as one of the most important rooms in the home. The foyer is usually where first impressions are made.

Why bother?

Some say their foyer is so small, why bother with it at all? I have had others explain that their foyer is so grand that it feels cold and uninviting, no matter what they do to it. Whatever the size of your foyer, you should make the most of it! There is no reason in the world, why your foyer shouldn’t be stylish and filled with beautiful art. The tiniest of foyers can be made to feel grand. Likewise, the grandest of foyers can have a sophisticated coziness.

Follow your heart!

You can be as adventurous with pattern, art prints and color as you desire in this room. You can get away with it in the foyer, because remember you are only in this room for brief periods of time. You’ll want the room to have impact and make a statement. Of course, keeping in mind the spaces your entry foyer may be linked to. This after all, is the space where your guest will get a preview of the rooms to come. The goal is to create a continuous flow, room to room, each space complimenting the other.

Where do I start? What about the walls? What kind of furniture should I use in the entry foyer? How should I accessorize my foyer?

· Wall color should never be chosen strictly according to the latest trends or home fashions. Instead, choose colors that suit the character of your home.

· You should select a color that makes you feel comfortable and happy.

· Choose a color that will give you a lift when you come through the door after a long day.

· Textured, glazed or marbleizing faux walls are an excellent choice. It’s virtually impossible to see dirty marks or fingerprints.

· Give your walls a kind of strie’ effect of three or four different shades by glazing any darker color with a lighter one.

· Pastel or softer colors look better in flat paint.

· Chocolate brown or very dark colors, I think look better with a little shine to them. The satin or semi finish will keep them from looking dreary by reflecting light around the room.

· Painting is the most cost effective way to give your room lots of impact.

· You may want to select a striking wallpaper pattern in keeping with the color scheme of the rest of the home. Stripes are great for adding volume and height.

· If you choose wallpaper with lots of pattern, you will have very little need for pictures or artwork

· When choosing wallpaper, don’t assume that a small foyer should be papered with an equally small printed design. Some of the prettiest foyers I’ve been in, were small ones, where the paper chosen was large scale and very bold. The effect was wonderful!

· The entry is the perfect spot for tromp l’oeil. Possibly a hand painted mural of a Grecian urn or a large topiary.

· If your foyer lacks architectural interest, secure an oversized decorative wall shelf or bracket on the wall directly facing you as you walk through the door. I like to place them on the wall at least five feet high or higher depending on ceiling height. This is a great place to display an elegant antique vase or urn. In a less formal setting you may want to display a simple pot of trailing ivy to add softness. This is also a great idea because it keeps your floor space free of clutter.

· In a small foyer maximize the light and make a tight area feel less cramped with a floor to ceiling mirror.

· Your foyer may be a tiny space with only a coat closet and no place to hang a mirror. So why not mirror the closet door! This will make your space appear larger. Depending on how your closet door is positioned, it may double a gorgeous view of the outdoors.

· Sometimes foyers can be devoid of natural light. You guessed it! Add a mirror! It’s like having a window where there isn’t one. Thus, catching every trace of light, bringing the space to life!

· In any foyer there is nothing more beautiful than using a fine gilt framed mirror.

· Change out your old lighting fixture and replace it with a new chandelier. This will improve the rooms’ light and add charm.

· Give attention to hardware in the room. The switch plate cover for instance should be attractive. This gives a sense of quality. Especially in the foyer. If you can’t afford to replace your switch plate cover that’s okay, just make sure that it blends in. If the walls are painted, paint it to match. If they are papered, well you get the idea.

· If you are using a pricey rug in your entry. Do what I do. Protect it with a small washable throw rug. Covering the spot most traveled on a daily basis. Then for special occasions stow the throw rug in the closet. Meanwhile, the better rug will stay clean.

· No space for a rug? Paint an interesting design on the floor. There are a wide variety of stencils that you can use if you do not consider yourself an artist. Be sure to use a sealer topcoat to ensure your painted design holds up to heavy traffic and will clean up easily.

· A plant stand made of wood; wicker or iron with a luscious green fern is a gracious look.

· Why not use the foyer as a tiny art gallery? Designate an entry hall area or wall where you can hang paintings or pictures that are special to you. Choose fanciful or fun original art prints in groups.

· Hang a group of fine art prints all framed the same. The prints will stand out more, if the color of the frames contrast with the wall color.

· A small chair may be all you need in your foyer, providing a place for a visitor to rest. It also serves as a temporary place for packages or anything you need to put down as you come through the door.

· A narrow console table may be just the ticket.

· A towering case clock is always great in a foyer.

· Garden Statuary isn’t just for the garden. Bring it indoors! Be greeted by a life size statue. Depending on your budget you could select from concrete, resin, marble or bronze.

· Use an oversized urn with a sprawling palm tree.

· A 19th century Victorian Hall Tree in the right home would be beautiful and functional. An antique store would be the best place to look for a piece like this or better yet an auction or estate sale. Vintage posters and Antique reproduction art prints can also have a great effect on a budget

· Use a pair of corbels topped with marble or a pair of iron supports topped with glass for a shelf to hold a vase of flowers, keys and mail.

· Hang a tapestry on an iron rod and place a garden bench beneath. The tapestry will add softness and texture. The bench will not only be esthetically pleasing but functional as well, serving as a place for removing shoes or simply a resting place.

· If you have the ample room in your foyer, using a chest or commode is an excellent choice. The top of the chest gives you plenty of area to display your favorite lamp or a pair of candlestick lamps. You may also want to accessorize with a small collection of boxes or any other collection. I love the idea of all the extra storage space you gain when using a chest.

· I would also suggest a pair of occasional chairs to flank the chest of drawers.

· I love to group, silver candlesticks on foyer a table.

· A large crystal compote placed on any foyer furniture piece looks fascinating. In the Spring, fill it with fresh flowers’ Summertime it can be filled with loads of seashells Fall, potpourri with your favorite scent’ Christmas, fill it with beautiful sparkling ornaments and in between seasons it will look dazzling all by itself.

I have more ideas I’ll share with you later! So have fun decorating your foyer!

©Donna Jolean 2005 January For more ideas and articles, please check Donna’s site at Decorating Ideas

Thanks Donna!

Original article: by Jonas Leon Rios Prairie Reporter

http://www.theprairienews.com/

There doesn’t seem to be many legal outlets that exist for graffiti artists, but one man not only welcomes this form of wall art but also encourages it.

Attorney Jeff Blackburn of Amarillo offers the outside wall of his business location, at the corner of Madison Street and SW 16th Avenue, as a creative outlet for those who wish to express free speech through the medium of spray painting and drawing. He states that “The Wall” changes constantly and usually has a complete new look every three days.

A couple of Caprock High School students were on site to tell about their passion for art, especially at “The Wall”.

Bobby Salcido from Amarillo enjoys spray painting on this wall because it allows him to take his time creating a piece of art – otherwise it would be illegal to spray paint elsewhere. He’s been creating art on this wall for about four years,

Salcido chooses random designs and wordings to paint, but stays away from any kind of crude or political messages. Aside from spraying, Salcido enjoys to airbrush, draw, stencil, and skateboard. Salcido plans to pursue some form of artistic display for a lifetime career.

Juan Bernal, Amarillo resident and friend of Salcido, can’t quite recall when he began drawing, but knows that it started at a young age. He recalls that his dad and family would comment on how he had an unusually good talent for being so young.

Today, Bernal doesn’t consider himself an artist per se, but that doesn’t stop him from doing what he does really well, which is draw. He prefers pen and ink drawing to other forms of sketching because, quite simply, it’s the easiest for him to do, “ it only requires pen and paper.”

Bernal relies on instinct and improvisation as his inspiration for his freelance art.

“There isn’t a right or way of being an artist,” Bernal said. “If there’s a right way, you’re probably copying somebody else and the work isn’t original. There isn’t a wrong way because every artist has their own way of doing things.”

Bernal goes on to state that he doesn’t have a favorite piece of artwork and that they are all equal. He parallels this to trying to pin down one favorite song, movie or if you’re a parent – a kid. Bernal states that he would like to push his art to its limits and see where it can get him

However, he is well aware that making it in the industry is challenging just like making it as a rock star in a band. He plans to continue his education in fine arts after high school.

The history of how “The Wall” came about started about six years ago as a means to give artists a place to express themselves, and to also detour any defacing of private property around town.

Blackburn told local officials about his wall and wanted to make sure that these artists were given a place to contribute their original artwork without persecution. He views those individuals as artists and not criminals. In fact, he has had the opportunity to converse with many of these artists and enjoys their stories and their remarkable artistry.

Blackburn is passionate about his wall and wishes that city government would recognize the expression of free speech and allow this art to be carried throughout designated areas in town, like local parks. This wall continues to gives artists the freedom to express themselves, and hopefully so for many more years to come. Every artist has their own story to tell and if walls could talk, “The Wall” would have plenty to say.

When you’re wrapped up in your toasty down comforter, it’s hard to imagine what our early ancestors used as bedding. Did they sleep on the cold cave floor under an animal pelt? Or did they just shiver the whole night? Do you think they ever hung colorful leaves or animal feathers for unique wall decor?

With all they had to do to survive during the day, our early ancestors deserved a good night’s rest. But did they ever get it? Let’s look at the history of bedding and how it’s changed through the ages.

Give me a skin and a soft piece of dirt

About 10,000 years ago, in the Neolithic Era, people slept on branches and animals pelts. Talk about a nightmare! Imagine trying to catch a snooze with branches poking you. And you think those feathers inside your down comforter are annoying.

“Beds,”as we know them trace back to 3400 BC with the Egyptian pharaohs, the first people to sleep off the ground, on raised areas. Most people, with the exception of the rich slept on palm bows heaped in the corner of their homes. King Tutankhamun, made his bed of ebony and gold.

Beds evolved from there. The Romans slept on bags filled with feathers, wool, and more. There you have it: the start of down comforters and feather beds! Romans also bedecked their bedding with paint, bronze, silver, jewels and gold.

Sleep tight and don’t let the bed bugs bite

After the Renaissance, society became smarter and bedding changed forever. People stuffed their mattresses with straw, feathers, or hay and placed them on woven ropes. This is where the term “sleep tight” comes from. To “sleep tight” meant to pull the ropes until the bed was in a comfortable position.

In the mid 18th century, covers were made with quality linen or cotton. Bed structures comprised timber until later in the century, when cast iron came into play. At that time, bedbugs and vermin made sweet dreams impossible. People believed that the combination of cast-iron and cotton turned the creepy crawlers away.

Coils, cotton, water and space foam

The first coil spring was patented in 1865 and the rest is history. Futons were introduced way back in the 1940’s, waterbeds made a splash in the 1960’s, and memory foam technology lifted off in 1990’s. In the 2000’s, people continue to optimize their beds for comfort and now sleep on plush pillows and goose down comforters. We’ve come along way since animal skins!

Bedrooms can provide rest relaxation and comfort ( in any price range)

Create a place to relax and unwind. Choose high thread count all cotton sheets, comfortable pillows and use ambient lighting to create atmosphere. Warm soothing colors can relax while deep, jewel colors can create a sexy & exotic feel. Choose artwork that fits the theme or use clusters of fine art prints for an even bigger effect.

Elwood Bradford travels the world in search of perfect goose down pillows and writes about his findings.

This 3 min short uses DEmotivational posters, SARCASTIC sayings & tongue & cheek quotes to amuse set to music by Labelle

Funny bitchy sayings, cute, demotivational  posters, inspirational,  sarcastic,  motivational posters, sarcasm,  tongue  & cheek sayings as word art posters. Reproduced from hand painted original artwork by Jan Riley

You can get these as refrigerator magnets or as  motivational  art prints.- both under $6!

12 STEP SAYINGS at ArtCantHurtU 12 steps, recovery, AA, NA, Al-anon, 12 step program. Watch this short, hit a meeting then call your sponsor, Motivational Posters with Attitude – get one for your home gorup or anniversery celebration!