"The REAL Life of Mannequins" revealed at Gallery 21

"Mannequins", digital art by JANINE FREE and GUY MAYENOBE

Hello All.

A new and innovative digital art exhibit has arrived at Gallery 21 in Spanish Village Art Center located in beautiful Balboa Park. It is dubbed "The REAL Life of Mannequins". The show is being "revealed" by Janine Free and Guy Mayenobe as "a digital art exhibit on metal and paper" from September 29 - October 11, 2010. The exhibit will be open daily from 11:00 to 4:00 p.m. at 1770 Village Place, San Diego, California 92101. Opening Reception is Friday, October 1, 2010 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. featuring music by the jazz band, "Endangered Speciez". Janine and Guy, ever the enthusiasts, are also throwing a Closing Reception on Sunday, October 10, 2010 from 11:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Of the show, Janine says, "that she and Guy have two radically different ways of unveiling mannequins". And, why not? We've all heard, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder". Why not then, perception? Janine Free is capturing reflections that look digitally manipulated, but are not, and Guy Mayenobe creates images that look real but are fabricated". Now, I tell you, that notion alone has "captured" my attention, not to mention the images that Janine kindly e-mailed me for the show's poster bill. Grab your "glad rags", "free your minds" and "surrey on down" to "The REAL Life of Mannequins", folks! I promise you won't be bored!

On the contrary, Janine Free and Guy Mayenobe are absolutely set on "expanding your horizons" and "blowing your minds"! And, here you thought mannequins were just inanimate plastic with no REAL life of their own. Well, trust Janine and Guy to "unveil" the (shhhh-hhh) truth about mannequins!


"Olive Oil", by french artist, GUY MAYENOBE
IMAGES ARE COPYRIGHT PROTECTED


I'm back from the "REAL Life of Mannequins" opening reception, and what an experience! The art was fantastic, the music mellow and the banquet bountiful with an atmosphere reminiscent of "nights in Parisian parlors where art, wine and colorful conversation flowed into the wee hours of the dawn", or at least what I imagine it was like back then. Guests mingled and moved about the exhibit, some awed and silent, some verbally animated, but all wearing huge smiles and sparkling eyes. One simply couldn't help but smile and express wonder in this amazing show.


Well, it appears that the "truth about mannequins" is, perhaps, that there is no one "truth" which describes the mannequins that appear in this unique exhibition. True to Janine's description, she and Guy do have a totally different perception as they reveal their subjects and, therefore, an expression each their own.

Janine Free's mastery of her subject matter is based on reflected imagery and the play of light off of surfaces and glass. Everything that is seen in her photographs is actually in the scene she originally shoots. There are no "embellishments or digital additions" in Janine's images. Carefully and creatively manipulated, the many layers of images that one perceives in her photos have been exaggerated or diminished, moved forward or into the background to create the effect that she wants one to see. Janine takes only one photograph in her process, and then skillfully creates an image that gives the viewer the impression that she has superimposed several photos over top of each other. Oh, how "not so"! Clever girl, that Janine.

Guy Mayenobe enhances and transforms inanimate plastic or wooden mannequins into human like forms by blending eyes and lips from "real people" into the digital images. Sometimes the subjects looked like mannequins with human eyes and lips. Other times, when I thought the mannequin was a real person with implemented lips, it was just the opposite. The resulting photographs were mesmerizing and mind bending. I felt a kind of "hypnosis" when I stood looking at Guy's images, slightly disorientated and unable to pull my vision away from the eyes of the figures. I got a feeling of drifting, being "drawn in" to the photographs, and then of suddenly regaining awareness and shaking myself to return to a sense of reality. I kept expecting the mannequins to actually speak. Simply, mesmerizing, Guy!

I have always found it intriguing to listen to the conversations of visitors at any art exhibition. This exhibition was no different. At one point, as I sipped my glass of white wine, one visitor asked me if I knew which of the crowd were the artists. I answered, smilingly, and pointed out Janine and Guy as they spoke with the guests. They were both, winningly, humble and soft spoken enjoying their interaction with the visitors as much as the guests enjoyed meeting them. The guest that I was speaking with expressed, "I would have expected a much younger woman as the photographer, given the subject matter in the photographs". I quickly retorted, without hesitation, "Ahh, but, they are French you see",(including Guy in the description). "Their minds and spirits are forever young and fashionable"! The visitor smiled broadly, and said, "Oh, that's how they do it". I sighed a joi(full), "Yes"! We both smiled even wider, if that was possible, and turned to admire "Olive Oil" as she gazed back with a "revealing eye"!

Hold that thought...pose...thought! You know what I mean. Ever see a mannequin that wasn't posing? I guarantee Janine Free and Guy Mayenobe haven't. Strike a pose and "Vogue...Vogue...Vogue"!


Written and posted by Cassandra Shepard, Studio 32
text and content copyrighted, 2010, all rights reserved

"Painters' Perspective" - Challenge at Gallery 21

SHARON FEINGOLD'S, "Muted Greens"
IMAGES ARE COPYRIGHT PROTECTED

Hello All!

Long time, no write. I've had a very busy few weeks since my last blog, and what a great time to bring everyone up to date on the latest news at Gallery 21 in Spanish Village Art Center. Good news is never too late, and great art is never forgotten or passe. Which brings me to the recent exhibit of the "Painters' Perspective" in Gallery 21. This exhibition "challenge" ran from July 21, 2010 through August 2, 2010.

A select group of 50 painters who paint under the tutelage of Linda A. Doll [www.lindadoll.com], aws, nws, internationally renowned painter, digital artist, instructor and juror, recently participated in an "art challenge" where 3 challenges were presented to them for creating works of art based upon the particular criteria set forth by Ms. Doll. These painting "solutions" were submitted in various media by the artists and critiqued by Ms. Doll for the exhibition. The resulting works of art were intriguing and as individual as each of the artists participating in the challenge.

Having Linda Doll as a mentor is a tremendous "boon", to say the least, as is evident in the works displayed in the exhibit. Ms. Doll's credentials read like a well tuned Stradivarius and are as follows,(quote): "A teacher of workshops and seminars throughout the U.S., Mexico, Canada, France, Italy, Greece, Spain, Ireland and Bali". (!!!) (Wait, there's more.) She is a past-President and Life Member of the National Watercolor Society, a past Board Member and Juror of the American Watercolor Society, and a past Board Member of Watercolor West. (It continues...) She is a Life Honorary Member of the Federation of Canadian Artists and an elected Life Member of the San Diego Watercolor Society...is included in...Who's Who in American Art and Who's Who of American Women.(unquote) Whew!!! Challenge or Gift to the Universe? I'll let you decide! She's certainly got the "right stuff" that one needs to be a mentor. Ms. Doll, take a bow!

With all of this motivation, the artists meet at Linda's home on a monthly basis for mentoring, challenges and critiquing of their work. Ms. Doll frequently showcases her students' work in exhibitions such as the "Painters' Perspective" to show creative solutions to the challenges she gives them. These challenges are designed to get students to push the limits of their individual and separate talents, in order to create or "recreate" art that is either already in some stage of existence or waiting to be discovered and given fruition.

I was intrigued by this concept when I visited the exhibition, and was given some interesting insights to the process by which the artists worked. Martha Grimm, who is a watercolorist in the show, has been wonderfully generous with sharing information about the challenge, and caught my attention with her "solution" to one of the challenges on color usage.

As one walked through the show, each of the challenges was presented along with the artists' solutions to the assignments. Each challenge was displayed on a separate wall of the gallery with a description (of the parameters) of the assignment as set forth by Ms. Doll. The first of these (as you entered the gallery) was to Recycle an "Old Painting". Ms. Doll states, "Artists were randomly given an old painting from another artist who wasn't happy with the painting they had done and wanted to abandon it. The challenge was to create a new painting from the old one using elements of the original painting but completing it using a new creative solution. I believe many artists give up too early on a painting and need to come back to an unsuccessful painting with a fresh idea and story".

The next challenge was two-fold in as much as the artists were given the choice of "Painting in Specified Colors". There were two color choices: Pure Orange and Muted Greens. The artists were given sample photos showing these color choices utilized in interiors. They could use any combination of the colors shown in the photos to then create a painting reflecting these palettes. Pure Orange colors were to be luminous, bright, glowing and bold carefully or randomly placed with whites. However, the overall composition should maintain a balance between the alternating white areas of the painting and the use of color. Muted Greens, ofttimes considered to be "neutral" in the color spectrum, are calming and restful with a soothing effect when observed in muted form. As a painter, myself, these two challenges intrigued me the most. I chose two paintings that captured my attention [within this challenge] to share with you: Sharon Feingold's, "Muted Greens" and Martha Grim"s, "Heads or Tails", one from each of the two color challenges.

The third challenge in the exhibition was to "Paint a Still Life" from a collection of objects brought in by the artists. The objects were placed randomly on a table and the artists chose which of these objects they wanted to include in their painting composition. The artists were given no "limitations", and could paint in any style and medium that they wanted. A collection of "pig figurines" were among the intriguing items brought in for painting, as well a selection of vintage radios and a collection of fabrics. There was a delightful mixture of objects in the still life paintings created for this particular challenge. Among the pig collection, was an unforgettable red, black and white pig that surfaced in quite a few of the stilllifes, fairly dominating the scene with its undeniable presence and strong color contrasts. Who was that "masked piggy"? Hmmm. I guess "pigs may come, and pigs may go", but that little piggy will stay in every one's memory and those stilllifes forever.

Summarily, it seems that Ms. Doll and the Painter's Perspective group is a very interesting and educational concept. If I didn't have such a full schedule, I would certainly entertain the idea of joining them for those once a month critiques. Ms. Doll is an inspiring teacher, and her pupils show an aptitude for painting that is notable. I think that they have all successfully risen to the "challenge" of this exhibition, heightened their awareness, honed their skills and turned out some great artwork to boot.


Thanks and a "Great Big Shout Out" to all of you who participated in this exhibition. I, and the greater public, look forward to seeing you all again at Gallery 21.





MARTHA GRIM'S, "Heads or Tails"
IMAGES ARE COPYRIGHT PROTECTED



Written and posted by Cassandra Shepard, Studio 32
text and content copyrighted 2010, all rights reserved

What's Happening at the Village!

Hello all.

It's that time of year for our "Annual Open House Celebration". Each year Spanish Village Art Center hosts its much anticipated "Open House" to thank all of our loyal customers and friends for their support and interest throughout the year. The event takes place on Saturday, July 17, 2010 from noon to 7:00 p.m. Something new for us this year. We have had so much fun with our evening event in the past that we wanted to extend it into the daylight hours too.

We have some wonderful attractions planned for the day. Our much anticipated "Silent Auction" is always a big hit with visitors. In addition, this year we have added a display of the entries for the Egg Artistry contest, Steam Powered Giraffe, the original singing musical robots, and the artistic sounds of music by Pucello and Schlegel. And, as always, for our connoisseurs of fine foods and beverages, there will be the villagers' usual outpouring and overflow of great finger foods and cool drinks! We seem to be as good at creating great dining as well as great art.

Now don't get so carried away with eating that you overlook all of the "fantastic" art in the studios and on the patio. We invite you to browse through each studio and fill your senses with the amazing fare that Spanish Village Art Center has to offer. Many of our talented members will be set up on the colored tile patio with their arts and crafts. It will be a day of fun, food and art to "knock your socks off"... don't you know! So, "come on down" and join the merriment.

The event is being chaired by Kathi Vargo in studio 8. For additional info, call studio 18 at (619)233-9050 between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

See you there! Or, as they say in Texas, "Y'all Come"!

Written and posted by Cassandra Shepard, Studio 32
text and content copyrighted 2010, all rights reserved

Catnip Connection 4

The 4th Annual “Catnip Connection 4” all media fine art exhibit kicked off on June 9, 2010 and will run through June 21, 2010 at Gallery 21 located in Spanish Village Art Center, at 1770 Village Place, Balboa Park. The exhibit is open from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily. A special gift of 10 percent of the show proceeds will be donated to the Feral Cat Society to support the organization.

Of course it should come as no surprise that all subjects in the show are of the “feline persuasion”. “And, How”! A magnificent collection of paintings, sculpture and ceramics depicting a “day in the life” of the CAT. Oh excuse me … the “fabulous feline”! This annual exhibit is co-coordinated by Vicki DeLong and Marji Huntington, and was juryied by Susan E. Roden, nationally acclaimed pastel artist.

The exhibit houses the works of 35 remarkable artists. The show awards went to the following artists:

First Place: Mary-Ella Keith for "Cat/Shadow Cat”
Second Place: Pat Beck for "3 Kings of Siam”
Third Place: Ally Benbrook for "In Your Face”

Honorable Mention:

Marji Huntington for "Cattitude”, Susan Salazar for "It’s Good to Be King” and Teresa White for "Patches”

The People’s Choice Award went to Don Knapp in Studio 3 (SVAC), for “I Spot a Tiger”.

All of the amazing art deserve an award, but I would be remiss if I did not mention my appreciation for Susan Roden’s magnificent pastel which hangs behind the reception desk at the entrance of the show. Susan never fails to astound me with her use of color and expert manipulation of her medium.

Kudos to you all. You done the “kitties” proud! (And, you didn’t let us down, either). Thanks a million. Looking forward to next year’s show. Meow!


Written and posted by Cassandra Shepard, Studio 32
text and content copyrighted 2010, all rights reserved



"In Your Face", by artist, ALLY BENBROOK
ALL IMAGES ARE COPYRIGHT PROTECTED

Welcome to Spanish Village Art Center blog!

Hello all.

Let me introduce myself. I am Cassandra Shepard, silk/fiber artist and jewelry designer, (lessee) in Studio 32 at Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park. To all of you “art lovers” and enthusiasts out there, “Welcome to the new and intriguing Spanish Village Art Center blog. The artists and crafters here send a great big “shout out” to everyone, and invite you to tune in to our blog regularly. I hope the SVAC blog will be a real page turner and your source for fun and innovating exploration into the arts at Spanish Village Art Center.

We are located at 1770 Village Place, Balboa Park in San Diego, California. Our office is in Studio 18, and the telephone number is (619) 233-9050. Spanish Village Art Center is open 7 days a week from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Look us up at our website anytime : http://SpanishVillageArt.com. Browse through our list of fantastic artists and studios, consider taking a class or just learn more about us.

I will be keeping you abreast of the events and “goings on” in the Village, as well as featuring articles on points of interest about Spanish Village Art Center, its history and the many and varied artists who are a part of our membership. No small task...albeit a pleasurable one.

So let’s get this party started! Right? A great place to start is the current showing in our on site Gallery 21, located in the heart of the Village at 1770 Village Place, Balboa Park in San Diego. It is an annual exhibit that is called “The Catnip Connection 4”.

Oops! You’ll have to check out the next blog! "Page turner", remember?


Written and posted by Cassandra Shepard, Studio 32
text and content copyrighted 2010, all rights reserved