FORM Show Pictures

Here are some pictures from the FORM show.

Check out the people behind the FORM show. Master Mind Award winners.

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Posted in Guest Artist by deano: September 14, 2011

Artist of the Month is The FORM Design Show

Instead of the artist of the month being a single person it is about a show that has over thirty artist.  The Lumiary in St. Louis is having its second annual Form Contemporary Design Show on August 12-13th at the Temtor building. The Temtor building is located at 8125 Michigan Avenue  St. Louis, Missouri  63111. The show is based on artist that are on the cutting edge of contemporary designs. FORM is presented by The Luminary Center for the Arts as a forum for exceptional designers to showcase their work, connect with the community of other designers and sell directly to supporters. To learn more about the show, Visit the link. FORM 2011 For those of you that do not know about the Luminary, here is a little more information.
The Luminary | Center for the Arts is a 501(c)(3) artist resourcing institution that seeks to provide meaningful support to emerging artists, audiences and appreciators in the St. Louis area. As a combined studio, education, and exhibition space, we bring together a conversation from all areas of the art world, encouraging creative engagement with contemporary art production and processes.
The Luminary merges the ideas of art and service, providing needed resources to artists through our residency program, opening our space for free use to the public and bringing the greater community into direct contact with the diverse landscape of contemporary art through interactive art projects and engaging events.
HISTORY
The Luminary was founded in late 2007 as an artist-run resourcing organization in an effort to provide a sustainable platform for artists in the St. Louis area. Initially formed as a cooperative, The Luminary was established as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit in order to expand its influence into the greater local, national and international communities through its exhibitions, events and  programs.
Today, The Luminary operates an internationally-recognized 9,000 sq/ft gallery, studio and event space in a renovated former Convent and has received numerous awards and accolades including “Best New Multimedia Gallery” by the Riverfront Times and “Best Multipurpose Venue” by St. Louis Magazine.
RESIDENCY PROGRAM
The Luminary’s Residency Program is a part of our extensive interaction with the landscape of contemporary art. The Residency Program forms an integral element of our role as an originator of new works as well as providing unparalleled opportunities for artists to engage with the local community. The funded residencies bring together some of the best emerging artists working locally and, increasingly, around the world.
EXHIBITIONS
Our curatorial program presents 4-6 group exhibitions each season focused around a year-long theme. We showcase emerging local, national and international artists with an emphasis on cutting-edge contemporary practices. Our 4500 square foot gallery space is equipped with flexible lighting, video capabilities, and moveable walls for customized layouts for each exhibition.
INSTALLATION SPACE
Upstairs, we have a unique, dedicated installation space that often runs parallel to our main exhibitions. The 500 square foot space was formerly a chapel and has vaulted ceilings ideal for site-specific and immersive installations. We encourage artists to work within the space itself to create an engaging work that pushes the boundaries of what can traditionally be done in a gallery setting.

To buy tickets for the show you can click here. Be sure and visit the Glass Design LLC booth to see the latest in frameless mirrors.

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Posted in Guest Artist by deano: August 5, 2011

Chipped or scalloped edge mirror strips

For years the trend in new construction has been plate mirrors in the bath rooms. We are now seeing the trend revert back to framed mirrors. The other problem with plate mirrors on the back splash is people using a ammonia based cleaner on their mirrors and the silvering going bad and turning black on the edges. One solution to removing the plate mirror, is to add chipped edge strips to the face of the mirror. The chipped strips can be custom made to fit your mirror and a do it yourselfer can transform a mirror into a show piece in a couple hours.

Chipped edge strip close up

Chipped or scalloped edge mirror strips.

The corner pieces are optional. They could be left off and the strips placed together on the mirror. Long strips will be very hard to ship, so it is recommended that shorter strips be used next to each other across a long mirror. This will make the border more interesting. This will also make it much easier to install.  Two faced tape and mirror mastic are used to hold the strips on the plate mirror. This holds them away from the mirror about an eighth of a inch away. The two faced tape holds the strips while the mirror mastic sets and acts as a mechanical holder. The light from the chipped or scalloped edge reflects off the plate mirror and makes the edge sparkle and dance. The only downside that has been brought to my attention is that it may be hard to clean the plate mirror in the corners where the chipped edges meet. This problem could be remedied with a feather duster.

Mirror with chipped or scalloped edge frame.

Rectangle mirror with chipped or scalloped edges. The strips are two inches wide.

The chipped strips would need to be custom made to fit your mirror. You can contact me at dean@glassdesignllc.com if you would like a price quote. If you are going to add strips to your existing plate mirror always make sure that the mirror is still firmly attached to the wall. I have seen mirrors that are very loose and unsafe.

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Posted in Featured Project by deano: July 24, 2011

Artist of the Month Rebecca Latham

My Artist of the Month is a painter and photographer. Her Mother and Sister  are also artist. You can visit their site at lathamstudios. I found her by reading a interview by Alyice Edrich from the emptyeasel. You can read the article here at emptyeasel. She also has a blog you can visit here at Rebecca’s blog.

Please visit my favorite place, her animal gallery. Thanks to Rebecca for letting me feature her work this month. Please visit the links to learn more about her.

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Posted in Guest Artist by deano: July 7, 2011

Artist of the month Rhoda Powers

This months Artist of the month is a self taught glass artist. She creates masterpieces in colored glass. We met at the wind art show.
Yes, I remember, I was coveting your Carharts. Would you allow me to add an adjective? “COLD WIND ART SHOW”

Enjoy the interview and please visit her website for more information and to find out how you can see her art in person.

1. How long have you been working with glass?
I have been working with glass for about 6 years although the first year I spent learning the process and it took me over a year to get to a point where I felt my work was ready for the public. As a self taught artist I am still learning about glass, it’s properties, strengths & weaknesses.  I continue to look for ways to set my work apart from other glass artists as the medium has been around for hundreds of years.  The public’s fascination and appreciation of art glass has withstood the test of time.
2. Are you drawn to glass because of the way the light reacts to it?
Yes, that is exactly it! The interplay of light, transmitted refracted and reflected.  With the vast array of glasses available today we can create work that looks one way during the day and the same piece can have a completely different look at night.  The true challenge is to create a piece in which you can’t decide which look you love more.
3. Can you tell us a little about the difference between slumping and fusion?
Fusion or fusing glass is the process in which two or more layers of compatible glass components are placed in a kiln and fired to a temperature at which these layers or components fuse to become one. You might see this medium described in these additional ways. Kiln-formed glass, kiln glass…… Slumping is typically a secondary process to give the previously fused glass a shape, such as a bowl, or platter or wall sconce.  Slumping is accomplished at a lower temperature in the kiln than fusing to give the glass a specific form.
4. Are your projects usually slumped,fused or both?
All my projects begin as fused work and then to create what I consider more functional items for serving or installing in one’s home in the form of lighting etc.,then I will slump the work in a secondary firing to give the work it’s function.

5. Can you tell us about the glass you use?
I use exclusively Bullseye glasses.  They have been the most reliable as to compatibility as well as color choice and innovation in manufacturing.  I do use some dichroic glasses in my work but I feel these are often over used so I try use them with considerable discretion.
6. Can you tell us about how the fused glass is attached to the shower and transom in your gallery.
The shower installation was accomplished with U-channel at the base as well and the top of the accent piece is captured in the header.  It was constructed with two separate pieces of glass created to fit together one atop the other and installed like any short return wall in a frameless shower.  Sealed with clear silicone as with a traditional shower install.
The transom piece above the client’s sink replaced the all too familiar piece of wavy wood that typically bridges kitchen cabinets.  The fact that these areas are almost always lit, either by flood or florescent fixture and /or sits above a window makes it an ideal areas for an art glass installation.  Again U channel was used to install this in exactly the same location from which we removed the wood detail.  I have an artist friend with whom I collaborate from time to time that hand forges metals, he has the ability to create beautiful ways to install our work into homes flawlessly.
7. How do you choose the colors for your glass?
Bullseye glass is manufactured in a vast array of colors.  If an artist wants a different shade, then often layering of these glasses can give you the colors you want. This approach is considerably less predictable however, than say if your were mixing paint on a palette for a painting.  Sometimes there are some surprises as the chemistry of one glass can react to that of another giving you a completely different result than you had expected.
8. I should ask if you are a glass blower.
No, I’m sorry to say I have never blown glass.  I’m fascinated by it and totally respect the approach.  I chose to fuse glass because I suspect there would be a compromise of one’s lungs no matter how careful you were in the process of blowing glass over an extended period of time.  I wanted to improve the chances of being able to breathe freely into old age.
The colors look like they are totally mixed. Or do you get that effect from slumping.
The Bullseye glasses are in fact fully manufactured with color.  As mentioned before we can certainly create smaller amounts of different colors using Bullseye glasses.  One thing I might point out that is absolutely vital to the fusing process with regard to glass is that COE or coefficient of expansion must be the same between the glasses that you are using.  Bullseye exclusively manufactures COE 90.  If you don’t know your COE or your source glass, you risk fracture, either immediate or down the road so to speak due to incompatibility.
9. Can you tell us about your pendants?
There was considerable thought given to creating pendants.  At first, I felt there were so many people creating them, that is was not anything I had an interest in.  Not until I created a few for friends as gifts did I realize that mine didn’t look like any other artist’s work and people seemed to want them.  The construction is quite graphic and almost architectural.  I don’t do many fully fused pendants, and again, I don’t use much dichroic glass in my pendants either.  The pendants and my cuff links provide a price point at which they are nearly accessible to anyone.  It’s my philosophy that if someone makes the choice to buy original art, I want to do my best to give them something original and affordable.  I want people to think twice about spending  $50 on a product manufactured overseas of dubious metals, components and methods and spend that same $50 with a local artist.
10. Where does your inspiration come from?
At the risk of sounding cliche, my inspiration from life itself. Light, color, texture are facets to which I try to give very specific attention.
I will tell you as a musician, that I find music nearly as inspirational as the other components you find in my work. Art and music are my passions, they go together for me.

Thanks to Rhoda and click here to see her gallery.

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Posted in Guest Artist by deano: June 3, 2011

This months Artist of the Month is Chrysti Hydeck

This is who she is in her own words. I am a artist, writer, photographer & instructor and  all around, all American smartass. A dreamer, lover of nature and a big believer in miracles. I am a avid collector of words and I adore animals, children, whimsy and most things-odd. I am a most willing student of life and some say I am a purveyor of hope and a distributor of kindness.

I am a incurable optimist. I immerse myself in the wondrous magic that creativity offers and my life is richer because of it. I delight in simple pleasures. I look for the extraordinary in the ordinary and I wholeheartedly believe in possibilities.

Alyice Edrich interviewed Chrysti for the Empty Easel blog. I am including the first little paragraph so you will go and read the entire interview.

Chrysti Hydeck calls herself a Creatologist—an artist who combines various forms of artistic techniques under one roof. Online, she is best known for her “Artography” series, while her collectors know her for her mixed media.
As a toddler, Chrysti was a natural born mixed media artist, ripping apart her books and creating masterpieces on her bedroom walls with anything and everything she could get her hands on.
When diagnosed with Tourette’s Syndrome, Chrysti used her love of creating to help calm her ticks. Later on, she discovered art to be a viable career choice, and in only seven short years, Chrysti has gone from unknown to well-known.
Today, she has generously offered to answer questions about how she uses the internet for marketing and social networking, and how her efforts online have impacted her art career.

You can read the entire interview along with many other great interviews and articles at the Empty Easel Click here. The article is based more on educating other artist from her success than telling about her art. To see her work you can visit her web site. She has a very large and impressive collection.

The trees is the reason I choose her for the Artist of the Month.

The Forest in Black & White

These photos were taken with her iphone. That alone should be an inspiration to all of us.

Chrysti also has a blog and I invite you to visit in order to see more of her art. Click here for her blog. Thank you Chrysti for your work and inspiration. A special thanks to the Empty Easel.

 

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Posted in Guest Artist by deano: May 5, 2011

April Artist of the month

This months artist is Carolyn Gimarelli. She is a photographer and painter. I liked her work.  Please check out her website for more information. Carolyn’s Website. A little about her in her own words.

Art is something that is personal, something that reflect’s the soul and that is one reason why we all choose to have photographs, paintings, collages, posters, etc decorating our homes. Whether it’s a painting of a ruby red apple to brighten the kitchen or funky, abstract design that adds spunk to living room we hang art that makes us feel comfortable and happy, we display our favorite pieces because that little piece of inspiration makes us enjoy life more.

 

What I design here is not simply a picture, it’s a memory or desire that transports you to your favorite time and place. I have all different styles of art available and if you don’t see something right away that catches your eye I am always more than willing to provide you with the perfect custom piece for you.

 

Enjoy,

Carolyn Gimarelli

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Posted in Guest Artist by deano: April 11, 2011

March Artist of the month Marc MacCallum

I saw Marc’s work at the Lee’s Summit Art Fair. It is the kind of thing that jumps out and grabs you. The colors and effects he gets from the metals are amazing. I am posting his own words from his web site.

Copper Metalwork

Marc MacCallum - Biography

 

Well,  I would like to say I have been a artist for as long as I can remember but unfortunately I have not. I guess you can say I am an accidental tourist in the world of art, falling upon it by chance.

My work is noted for its intensity of color and bold use of abstractual elements. I create two dimensional and sculptural pieces, incorporating a wide range of different artistic processes, from acetylene and propane torches to Pace picante hot sauce. My process may be random or spontaneous, an idea or an emotion beginning with a concept of a single piece of copper or pattern of colors and evolving with the completion of each work.

I now work with many types of metal, creating free form, smooth flowing abstract art and landscapes hoping to provoke emotion into to others as the the pieces of art did for me in the beginning opening up a whole new world of design for me.

Marc MacCallum

As apposed to placing his art here I am adding a link to his Gallery. If you have a few moments, check out his work. The metal becomes the artwork. It does not have to be framed. It is bold and alive. The designs he creates and the colors he comes up with are why I chose him as the artist of the month. His website gives you more information. I was really busy and did not have time for an interview but perhaps in the future. It would be interesting to ask some questions about what he does.

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Posted in Guest Artist by deano: March 10, 2011

Cabinet Glass

There are numerous types of pattern glass that can be used for your kitchen cabinets. The problem with pattern glass is that most of it is opaque. If you wanted pattern glass and a design I can etch the design onto the pattern glass. If you want to make a statement or include a design from your wallpaper or a favorite rug, I can create a custom design. Etched glass makes wonderful cabinet glass. Grape designs work really well in the kitchen. The etched Pantry door is becoming more and more popular. The great thing about custom etched glass is the numerous ways a design can be done. If you will picture a bunch of grapes on your cabinet glass I will tell you the different ways. The first way is to etch the grapes and leave the rest of the glass clear. This gives a very delicate effect and allows you to see through the glass. The second way is to leave the grapes clear and etch the rest of the glass. This is a reverse etch and is for when you want to cut down on being able to see inside the cabinet. It makes a bold statement and stands out. The third way is to lightly carve the grapes and then solid blast the rest of the glass. This is when you have glass cabinets but wanted them to be completely obscure. The reason I say lightly is because cabinet glass is usually 1/8 inch thick. If you carve to deep into the glass it would have to be tempered safety glass. This would strengthen the glass and allow the design to be carved up to half way through the glass.

I am working with a client to create a design for the cabinet glass and I came up with a contemporary design that I liked. I thought I would share it with you since the design world seems to be moving toward modern and contemporary designs. I would love to work with you to design your custom kitchen cabinet glass.Contemporary Design for Kitchen CabinetsModern Design for Kitchen Cabinets

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Posted in Etching thoughts by deano: February 17, 2011

Febuary Artist of the month Aaron Coleman

I saw this artist work at the Lee’s Summit art fair last fall. His work seems to leap of the canvas. His technique creates a three dimensionality that is uncommon in the painting field. He did not want to discuss his technique, which is understandable, so I am just recreating his website to show you his work. I think this is one of my favorites.

I am reprinting his web page for you to read, he felt that would tell you about him and his art. This is his Biography and Mission statement.
Biography
Before embarking on this artistic endeavor, Aaron had the opportunity to work for one of Orange County, CA top landscape architecture and planning firms. It was here that Aaron was able to meet many great mentors and creative people.  He became a licensed landscape architect in California and was optimistic about a bright future in the field.  The collapse in 2008 shifted the sails as the construction industry became as dry as the southern California climate itself.  Aaron took a couple months to backpack Europe hoping things would quickly rebound.  They didn’t.  He then spent most of 2009 enjoying the California sunshine and developing his creative abilities.  In November of 2009 Aaron had to return to his home state of Missouri where he began fervently creating artwork.  Eventually his artwork began to take off as art festivals and local galleries took interest.   Aaron is proud to be an emerging artist, and hopes to inspire other people to follow their own passions.

Mission Statement

Picture

This work represents my official breakaway from the path that I had been indoctrinated to follow.  This linear path was shattered into a web of possibilities in August of 2008 when I got my now clichéd pink slip.  I was free; free to own my own mind, at least until that next job came around the corner.  Of course weeks turned into months and now almost two years of “owning my own mind.”  Some rewiring has occurred.  It turns out I’m an artist…damn it!  And not the kind of artist that you take and put through landscape architectural school and then expect to sit at a computer for a decade doing computer aided drafting until they can finally move up into middle management.  No!  You can’t tame this creativity and manage it into schedules and profit margins.  I’m a bonefide stay up all night, exhilarated-paint flinging, creative maniac.  You can’t cage this soul!  So I say thank you Mr. Goldman and Mr. Sachs, Freddie, Fannie, and Sallie, and the late Lehman brothers; thank you for helping forge the hammer that shattered my predictable path and reminding who I am as a human being.  I hope my work can be an inspiration to the viewer to follow their own passions in life; enjoy the ride.

His Art.

These are some of the pieces he has for sale on his website. If you are interested, be sure and take a look.

Andromeda Nebula

24″ x 30″ original mixed media painting.

Moonlight Through the Forest

24″ x 24″ original mixed media painting.

Emerald Pond

24″ x 48″ original mixed media painting.

A New Culture on the Horizon

24″ x 48″ original mixed media painting.

A Calming Resolve
24″ x 48″ original mixed media painting.

Dream Catcher
30″ x 48″ original mixed media painting.
When I spoke to Aaron he was busy on his Winter Sun Tour. If any of the shows are in your area, be sure to get out to see him.
2011 Winter Sun Tour:
Jan 8- 9:  24th Annual Boca Fest – Boca Raton, FL
Jan 15 -16:  22nd Annual Downtown Downtown Delray Beach Festival of the Arts – Delray Beach, FL
Jan 22- 23:  2nd Annual CityPlace Art Fair – West Palm Beach, FL
Jan 29 – 30:  8th Annual St. Armands Circle Art Festival – Sarasota, FL
Feb 5- 6:  10th Annual Hobe Sound Festival of the Arts – Hobe Sound, FL
Feb 12-13:  5th Annual Coconut Point Art Festival – Estero/ Bonita Springs, FL
Feb 19-20:  13rd Annual Downtown Sarasota Festival of the Arts – Sarasota, FL

2011 Raising Arizona Tour:
Mar 4- 6:  Carefree Fine Art and Wine Festival - Carefree, AZ
Mar 12 – 13:  13th Annual Litchfield Park Art and Culinary Festival- Litchfield Park, AZ
Mar 18 – 20:  Fountain Hills Fine Art and Wine Affaire – Scottsdale, AZ
Mar 25- 27:  Tempe Festival of the Arts  - Tempe, AZ

2011 Going Back to Cali Tour:
Apr 1-3:  Indian Wells Art Festival – Indian Wells, CA
Following shows are tentative
Apr 9-10:  California Desert Arts Festival – Palm Springs, CA
Apr 15-16: Downtown Burbank Fine Arts Festival – Burbank, CA

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Posted in Guest Artist by deano: February 1, 2011

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