Interactive Art

 By Tom

Corn fritters are a special treat that should be classified as interactive art.  They are best when made from fresh-picked corn and served hot off the griddle.  The participatory element involves the application of toppings.  Butter, maple syrup, or apple sauce? 

New York Botanical Garden

by Tom

Last Saturday, I visited the New York Botanical Garden with my wife.  It was a trip long overdue.  Pat is passionate about flowers and gardening, and enough of her enthusiasm rubbed off on me that we both thoroughly enjoyed the visit.  It is, I think, a trip best taken without children.  Of course there were kids at the garden with their parents, too well behaved, toddling alongside or being pushed in a stroller.  The only explanations I can think of is that they were foreigners, or they just got there.  My experience raising three boys is that any trip to New York with children that did not involve Dinosaurs, Jets, Animals or Rocks was destined to failure if it lasted more than 30-45 minutes.  But back to the garden:  There are an incredible variety of trees and plants, from old growth forest and exquisite flowers to common garden vegetables, all meticulously tended by invisible gardeners.  The carefully composed landscapes are truly works of art.  The eye flows effortlessly through each scene, and one can’t help feeling a deep appreciation for the skill and passion of those who created it.  You will want to bring a camera or sketch book. And one visit is not enough, because you can’t help but wonder how the garden will appear in other seasons!

The Water God

By Robert Friedman

 

 

Recently, the members of the Catskill Artists Gallery were discussing how important the concept of “water” is in life, the earth and in the visual arts. We decided to try and use the idea of water as an element in our work.

 

Having visited Mexico and especially Yucatan, I was familiar with the Mayan god of rain and water, Chaac, always represented with his fantastically elongated nose.  He appears often in temple stone sculptures, but also in painted pottery designs.  What a great image to work with -- but how to translate it?

 

I found pictures of Chaac on the internet and decided to adapt them into a two-dimensional piece that would suggest a carved relief.  It was an exciting task to create a really striking image that would be true to its original form.  Here is a photo of the work in progress.

 

To get back to our theme: social and political problems involving water are major topics of concern these days. Flooding, droughts, rising seas and the decreasing supply of drinkable water have become urgent international problems.  

 

We hope that there will be unified actions to help solve at least some of these matters.  So let’s all sometimes pray to Chaac to intercede for us and a more positive global future.

 

 

 

 

 

Summer Solstice

by Tom

Are you ready for tomorrow?  The Summer Solstice!  The first day of summer, and the longest day of the year.  In my neck of the woods, the sun will rise at 5:25 and set at 8:34.   All that time to enjoy!  I’ll probably go out early with my camera, get home in time for breakfast, and mow the lawn before things heat up.  I’m not sure about the rest of the day.  No matter, I have 15 hours and 9 minutes of sunlight to think it over with!  What are your plans?  Here’s a photo of Ten Mile River, taken last Saturday morning after a night of rain. This weekend, the mountain laurel should be in bloom.

The Happy Season! Nada Clyne

Finally, we are surrounded by green and a profusion of blooming flowers!  The bumble bees are buzzing and butterflies are feasting on nectar.  The happiness of this season is so palpable, isn't it?

The Catskill Artists Gallery had a wonderful show in New Paltz, where many folks we knew stopped by our 45 foot space, chatted and purchased our new work.  We also met new people; one person was a beautiful chef from New York who fell in love with Tom Keleman's photographs and bought a piece for her new apartment.  It's always great to see those artistic connections made!

I'm working on some of these 12 square pieces that attempt to capture my love of nature.  I enjoy small formats - they keep me focussed and allow me to work with resin in new and creative ways. This piece has gold leaf as a background with flowers and butterflies from our garden in a fanciful collage.

We'll be showing throughout the summer in various locations.  Do stop by The Green Door in Liberty New York for our art exhibit Water.  It will be fun to see how each one in our group approaches this topic in their own media.

The Opening Reception will be July 12 from 2-5 pm.  Green Door is located at 34 South Main Street in Liberty, NY.  The show is from July 10 - 27.   See you there!

Come to New Paltz This Weekend!

by Buff

If it's Memorial Day weekend, it must be Woodstock-New Paltz craft show time!  And we'll be there with bells on!  (Well, maybe not actual bells, but with lots and lots of beautiful work to show and sell.)  

We're setting up on Friday in a triple booth in the big demonstration tent -- and yes, we will be demonstrating!  No picket signs, just showing some tricks of the trade:  Buff will bring a small table loom for demo and experimentation; Kathy will be making clay pinch pots; and Cate will be playing with fire! -- making glass beads. 

Nada will show her beautiful pendents containing "little worlds" and some new wall art.  Robert will have a selection of his sculptures.  Cate has many new glass wind chimes, in addition to the beads.  Kathy always has some new whimsical idea or color combination in her pottery.  Tom will be showing some larger versions of his stunning photos in addition to the smaller sizes.  Buff has colorful wall hangings and collaged fabric placemats.  Hank has many new waterproof wooden vases, in ash, apple, cherry, and other woods. 

The show will be at the Ulster County Fair Grounds, Exit 18 off the New York Thruway.  The hours are Saturday and Sunday 10-6, and Monday 10-4.  There will be some 300 craftspeople, live music, food, and a supervised children's area.  It should be lots of fun! And we hope to see you there!