Political Cartoon

What will happen to the political cartoonists if papers go under? 

Ed Stein, this author, is one of my favorites. I guess I'll have to look on line if that happens.

The good news is then they could be in color all of the time!

Surprise!

I found this monkey in a tree on the west side of town. It is the work of a resident who just likes placing surprises around the community.

The interesting thing is when I mentioned it to folks who lived in the area, they hadn't noticed it. I assume these people also don't have art on their walls. 

How can you not see this? That is, unless art is not important to you. And those poeple are probalby confused that I would call this art in the first place. 

Folks need better imaginations!

Moving Art!

These kinetic sculptures are constructed by Andrew Carson from Washington state. He says his interest is not in metal itself, but in what it can become if assisted by the wind, water, or the environment. All of the materials used in the installations are intricately cut, forged, hammered, and patinated by hand. He designs each piece to fit into the environment it is going to be placed in.

There is a mesmerizing video showing pieces displayed in Vail, Colorado in action. They are not these pieces, but better. Click here to see them.

You never know what you'll find....

I found this while I was taking a short cut through an alley in downtown Ann Arbor the other day. I have mixed feelings about graffiti. I personally love well done pieces like this one. I get very annoyed at tagging for taggings sake. 

But the real dilemma for me is when this is done on private property. No one has the right to deface another persons building. Imagine the outcry if this was done on someones car. No doubt someone would notify the authorities quickly. But would they do the same for a building? Oddly we don't take the vandalism as seriously when it occurs to fixed property. Why is that?

Currently Ann Arbor is entertaining the thought of adding a graffiti removal ordinance. It would require property owners to remove graffiti within a proposed amount of time or face a fine. Ypsilanti has one of these in place currently. This seems to be punishing the wrong party for the defacement. I understand the importance of removing graffiti as soon as possible as it is a deterrent to repeat hits. But what if you like the graffiti? What is you consider this a piece of art and you like it? I'll bet no one has considered that aspect. 

In fact that is how Jean-Michel Basquait got his start. He painted walls in alleys and anywhere else he could. They became so valuable that people looked at removing portions of buildings. Unfortunately he died of a heroine overdose when he was 27, otherwise who knew what would have happened?

North Pole Express

I spotted this mailbox the other day. It seems to have appeared out of no where. Santa must have delivered it in the early morning while everyone was asleep. Or perhaps the post office handles this? I'm unclear on this. In either case, I hope the letters to Santa arrive on time. 

On that note, I'll have to check on Christmas day to see if it is still there. What happens if it is? Do things posted after the 24th counts for the following year? I suppose that depends upon if you have been naughty or nice! 

This topiary is found at the National Museum in Bangkok. I've always been found of this type of art. It takes patience and time with a good imagination to envision what a plant could be. 

I also love elephants, so it was a no brainer for me!

Shark Fin Car

I don't know anything about this car, but it is pretty awesome, if you ask me. 

Every year the rolling sculpture show in downtown Ann Arbor is fun way to spend a few hours. Unfortunately you don't see things of this magnitude, but maybe in the future....

If anyone knows about this car, please let me know as I'd like to give them credit for this masterful piece.

World Largest Bird Feeder

What is this, you ask? Why is the title the worlds largest bird feeder? 

Well, the building exterior is made of corn husks. It is found in Mitchell, South Dakota. Each year, a new design is drawn on the walls and corn that is grown for this yearly event are used to create the image. The photo of the mural is one of the latest creations.

There is a specific farmer that is in charge of growing the corn. It is a specific careful process to keep the colors true to form and that all of the kernels are the same color. They are sawed in half, the ends trim and air gunned to the wall.

Come the colder months, the birds eat the corn off of the walls. Then it is time to start over again. How is that for an example of public art?

BIG...FAST...SLIPPERS!

This may be even more unusual than the cupcake cars. Only because they are a matching pair.

I don't know much about them. But under my definition, they do qualify as public art. And MOVING public art at that!

Theo Jansen

This is an picture of Theo Jansen standing in front of one of his works of art. The piece on the bottom shows his walking creatures. They are made from recycled electrical wiring from the Netherlands. 

I had the opportunity to hear him speak today in Ann Arbor. Watching his pieces move is like watching a prehistorical animal move. Or how you would imagine it would have moved. It is mechanical yet graceful in an almost unmeasurable way. 

Here is his website. This video explains how his work is made and functions. It is amazing to watch. Here is a shorter version just showing the movement. And here, another piece that is covered, as shown in the top photo. 

Amazing work! Love it!

Awesome!

These pieces are done by an artist named Geoffrey Gorman who is represented by the Jane Sauer Gallery in Sante Fe, New Mexico. I know they aren't public art, but I loved them enough to pass them along anyway. I am exceedingly fond of three dimensional textile art especially when animals are included. I'm a sucker for this kind of stuff. Add the cartoon element and I'm sold! I just wish I could call and say 'sold!' to the gallery....

Parco dei Mostri

Planning a trip to Italy anytime soon? 

Then perhaps you would want to add visiting the Monster Garden in Bamarzo, Italy to your agenda. 

These are a sampling of what can be seen in this unsettling garden. To view more click on this link.  I know I'm going to add it to my list. 

Not surprizingly, it inspired work by Salvador Dali and Jean Cocteau (famous film maker in

France) to name a few. One can easily see where the Dali influence came from.

Oh, it is a scary time here in the U.S.A.

I find this kind of funny. Especially since I am from Michigan, which, of course, makes it all the more personal. Sarah Palin is one scary woman. I've been referring to her at this generations Phylis Schaffley. She most certainly does not speak for me. I find her policies and beliefs almost always contrary to mine and completely inflexible. 

I don't want someone who can't negotiate and work with folks making decisions in the white house. This to me is her greatest flaw. Along with the appearance that she is just a puppet that has been manipulated to the point that she has allowed herself to appear stupid to the public. At some point one needs to decide that answering a question as simple as "What newspapers do you read", is okay and there is no wrong answer unless it is the National Enquirer. 

It baffles the mind. For more unflattering portraits click here.

Dia De Los Muertos

One of my favorite holidays is coming up fast!

November 1st is Day of the Dead, or in Spanish, Dia De Los Muertos. Contrary to the look of the art, which some find unnerving, it is a happy holiday where the life of the person who has passed on is celebrated.

There are parties to celebrate and it is also common to decorate the grave of loved ones.

Sometime in my lifetime I will visit Mexico during this holiday. These pieces are from my personal collection, so they are not public, but it is a holiday that the public participates in. Keep your eyes open. It is becoming more and more common here in the U.S. 

Enjoy!

In honor of Shakey Jake

Last year an Ann Arbor icon passed away. His name was Shakey Jake Woods. He was known around the world. When I was traveling and would tell people I was from Ann Arbor, I would get a response along the lines of, 'Oh! Then you know Jake!" 

In fact I did know Jake, more than knowing of Jake, I helped him with his medications regularly. He was a kind a gentle soul who just wanted to live his life in peace. 

After he died, the funeral home had to accommodate an overflow crowd with live feed to a television in the parking lot. There isn't anything that would have pleased him more. Except perhaps seeing this lovely tribute to him. This is an amazing likeness of a man who made many smile. R.I.P. Jake. You touched many and still are my friend.

All that's missing is his guitar.

Well, I guess it qualifies...

It is that time of year! Halloween is right around the corner, and that means lots and lots of kids of all ages up to mischief. 

Just take a look here. Quite creative and nicely done. It may not have been my preferred design, but it is cleaver.

It just might inspire me.... I've got a couple of weeks to churn the brain. (That seemed an appropriate pun considering the season.)

Wonderment in the Arb

When one wanders upon beautiful unexpected treasures it warms the heart. This is a big thank you to all who leave their mark in a positive way in public places for all to enjoy. I found this installation in the Arb a week ago and have been sharing my find with everyone who will listen. This is one of the reasons I love the Arb as much as I do. Art among nature is way cool.

More Arb images

Who would have thought?

I noticed this piece above an entry way to a retail/housing building near the U of M Museum of Art. I don't know anything about it, but I liked it's surprise element. I'm always on the lookout for the unexpected.

Is it art? Or an accident?

While I was walking near the Farmer's Market in Kerrytown, Ann Arbor, I looked down and saw this.

So, the question is... Is this a piece of artwork or an incredibly beautiful accident? I'm inclined to believe that it is on purpose. 

It is really lovely up close. It's similar to a vine growing up a structure. Or perhaps a spinal chord gone mad? Or how about a replica of a lightning bolt?

In any case, it was a good find. You never know what is out there until to learn to look in unlikely places.

Ledger painting lost or worse fate?

It seems during transportation to another museum during remodeling of it's home, this painting by French Cubist Ferdnand Ledger has gone missing. 

While Wellsey College's Davis Museum was remodeling they loaned the painting to the Oklahoma City Art Museum. Somehow when it was returned it was misplaced and may have been thrown out. (!)

The museum has filed an insurance claim which has been paid but not disclosed. In fact they don't want to talk about it at all. Seems it is a bit embarrassing to realize that you may have thrown out a painting by an artist that fetches on average $2.8 MILLION dollars. 

Wow. How does that happen? Never underestimate the incompetence of the general public. I wouldn't talk about it either if this had happened under watch.

A new acquisition

This piece was purchased by my Mom at the Ann Arbor Art Fair this year. My Mom doesn't make investments of this kind often, so I was excited to see it.

It is light in weight, as the kayak is made from canvas over a light wood frame. I really like this piece. It was not at all what I had envisioned. 

I've been interested in kayaking for a while now, this only peaks my curiosity! 

Graffiti vacation ends in arrests

These photos are examples of graffiti done by Jim Clay Harper (Ether) and Danielle Bremner (Dani). They toured Europe this summer tagging public property along the way. They left their mark in London, Spain, Paris, Frankfurt, Hamburg and other places they visited including New York City.

They caused thousands of dollars of damage and where arrested when they arrived back in the states. Due to the high value of the amount of damage, they are being charged with felonies and could spend up to seven years in jail. 

The charges for the alleged paint spree are being pressed in New York City. The NY authorities are working with European authorities to determine if more charges will be pressed overseas as well. Yikes!

Looks like this couple should have stuck to canvas' that they had permission to paint on. Destroying public property or property owned by others should never be permitted. As much as I enjoy well done graffiti, is is ruined for me when it is done without consent. Shame! 

Wall Art

Room 411 at the Hotel Des Arts in San Francisco. This wall was created by a L. A. artist named Kinsey.

I've always loved wall art, meaning art that has been painted or papered onto the wall. 

This is what I would do in my bedroom if I had the talent or money to paint something along these lines. Although I've always envisioned that the installation would involve wildlife. 

As a child I spent Thanksgivings at a home that had a black and white photo of a remote beach with large boulders along two of it's walls. I loved this image. I imagined that I would go to sleep in this room, dreaming of small waves softly cascading onto the beach. It is still a dream of mine. The images change, but the concept remains the same. Maybe some day....

Fish Bicycle

When I found this, there was no information about it. Hence, I am unable to credit the artist or cyclist or both. But I liked it enough that I wanted to share it anyway. 

When I googled it, I found lots of Fisher Bikes and variations of the saying "A woman needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle." The saying is generally attributed to Gloria Steinem, but in reality is unsubstantiated. In any case, the search was almost as fun as the photos.

I also found a giant fish bike in motion with a few other smaller fish in tow. This is an excellent way to spend 52 seconds of your life. Click here!

Guidelines Established to Prevent Stolen Art Acquisitions

Interestingly enough, this post follows the one about stolen artwork.

Museums are establishing guidelines that are designed to suppress the market for looted archaeological treasures. They are encouraged to establish their own clear collections policies and require documentation that new artifacts have not been illegally exported from their countries of origin. 

Many museums are already in compliance with the guidelines, said American Association of Museum President Ford Bell. "The harder thing will be looking at existing collections, which is a big job", he said. The ownership histories of antiquities and Nazi-era artwork are perhaps the hardest to determine. 

The new guidelines do not prevent anonymous donors, but they will be required to provide all available information on the artwork or artifact. 

Sounds like a good start to me!

Stolen Art: Is It Yours?

When William M.V. Kingsland, a threadbare eccentric and an amateur genealogist of the Upper East Side in New York, died in 2006, officials found an apartment full of stolen artwork, including works by Picasso, Copley, Fairfield and Giacometti. The F.B.I. continues to search for owners of more than 100 works of art. 

Here is a sampling of the work that was found. There are four first cousins and an uncle claiming to be relatives that would be happy to divvy up the proceeds from the pieces that he did own.

Art in unusual places....

I'd heard about a person that had placed ceramic chard's into poured concrete around town, but had never encountered one until the other day. I was walking to the post office and came across this piece. I was so excited I pulled out my camera to snap this shot. 

When I was done, I looked up to see several people with puzzled looks on their faces. They, no doubt, had not idea what I was doing! Why was that crazy lady taking pictures of a curb? This is why! Kind of fabulous in an unexpected way I think.

A fun find!

Nature as art once again. I found this bird nest after a rain storm. It fell out of a tree and was adjacent to the path in the courtyard behind my home. I placed it atop this stone and it was left in place for weeks. It eventually fell off and is next to the rock. I've left it as is. It is beautiful to look at in detail as it it constructed of twigs, mud and other small found items. Finally, I'm happy to report that when it fell, the family had long since grown up and moved on.

Bomb It!

Bomb it! 

For those not in the know, this is a term used by graffiti artists. It refers to moving in and quickly making your mark. It is also the title of a documentary about graffiti artists around the world. 

It begins in Philadelphia with Corn Dog, the daddy of graffiti. It quickly moves around the world from Tokyo, to South Africa, to Sao Paulo and many places in between. It discusses why people participate in the art and discusses distinctions about the art. The one thing it doesn't do enough of is actually showing the art. Fortunately there are other avenues to do this.

I highly recommend this for those interested in the art and it's evolution!

The artist shown here is named Lord Leigh. I prefer graffiti that does not use the artist name as the piece. Give me images any day over stylized letters.