Wednesday, June 15, 2011

My thoughts on NeoCon 2011

DSC05822

It's hard to believe that two years have passed since I wrote about the great three day contract furnishing extravaganza that is NeoCon.  This year I am not writing as anyone's citizen blogger.  I'm writing this for myself.  I'm writing because this year's trade show really inspired me.

DSC05756

Commercial design, particularly that of office spaces, could be about so much more than just arranging grid after grid of cubicles.  It's about changing the way that people work.  It's about work being more than just busywork, but something meaningful and worthy of a sense of pride and ownership, employment that speaks to a greater sense of worth and personal fulfillment.  It is certainly an idea whose time has come as more US jobs get outsourced and automated.  What are the jobs of the future?  What will they look like?  And wouldn't it be wonderful if these future workplaces could look as beautiful as these showrooms?

DSC05812

DSC05769

I never thought about commercial design in this way before.  I always thought it would be kind of boring.  But now that I work in an office myself, I can appreciate good office design.  It can make all the difference in making workers' jobs easier or more difficult.  I think I'd like to design some offices one day.  And I don't think I'd be bored with it at all.

DSC05788

Here are some more pictures I took this year at NeoCon:


Read more at: http://360.steelcase.com/

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

A Feast for All the Senses




A group of my paintings is making a colorful addition to the walls at DeColores restaurant in Chicago's Pilsen Art District.  It is my hope that my work will complement the exquisite aromas and flavors of DeColores' cuisine.

My art will be on view until July 6th.  Please keep DeColores in mind if you have  a taste for Mexican food.  I personally recommend you try their wonderful guacamole.  I am thrilled a thankful for the opportunity DeColores has given me.

Here is their information if you'd like to pay them a visit:

DeColores Galeria y Sabores
1626 South Halsted
Chicago, Illinois
312-226-9886
www.decolor.us

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Now serving up custom paintings just the way you like them

When I go to a restaurant, I usually order an entree exactly as it is described on the menu.  And I when I get clothes, I buy them off the rack.  But not everyone shops that way.  Some people want to order the fish with the sauce that comes with the chicken, or purchase an outfit that is tailor made to accommodate all the peculiarities of their particular figure.  So for those of you who know exactly what you want, I'm happy to provide commissioned artwork.  Your custom made piece is just a few steps away.

1) Choose your size

Popular sizes:

12” x 16” - $110    16” x 16” - $140
16” x 20” - $180    20” x 20” - $220
20” x 24” - $260    24” x 24” - $320
24” x 30” - $400    30” x 30” - $500
32” x 40” - $700    40” x 40” - $880
48” x 60” - $1600  60” x 60” - $2000


2) Choose your orientation

- horizontal
- vertical
- square


3) Choose your texture

Combine different textures for a look that's uniquely your own.  Click the image to enlarge. 





4) Choose your colors

I can make your painting in any colors you like.



5) Pay your deposit

Once you pay 50% of the cost of your painting and sign the consignment agreement, I will start working on it.  When your painting is complete, pay the remaining 50%.

Monday, June 6, 2011

Want a painting? Let's trade!

In addition to cash and PayPal, I am also willing to accept another form of payment for my artwork: barter. That's right, if you want a painting, and if you've got something I want, I'm happy to trade you for it. Of course, I believe it should be an even trade, a $10 mini painting for $10 worth of something or other ; a $600 painting for $600 worth of something else. There are so many things I need, want, or would like to have eventually someday, and perhaps some of you might have a surplus of these very same items, or else the time to contribute your specialized skills in exchange for an original painting.

Here are just a few of them:

things I need:

- clothing alterations
- shoe repairs
- a hole saw



things I'd like to have someday:

- voice lessons
- dance classes
- two strand twist extensions
- a Blythe doll in good condition


If you're interested in doing this, let's talk! Also, for my readers who are artists, have any of you done this before? How did bartering work out for you? Share your comments.

Sunday, June 5, 2011

The first art fairs of the season

I just got back from visiting the first art fairs of the season, the Eastside Millennium Art Festival and the 57th Street Art Fair, which, like Memorial Day, are a sure sign of the unofficial beginning of summer in Chicago.  I was happy to see so many artists I have mentioned here before, including Prairie Fire Glass, Tim McWilliams, and Cheryl Gail Toh.  There were also several new artists I'm pleased to introduce you to.


From the Eastside Millennium Art Festival:







From the 57th Street Art Fair:



















What a great way to start the season of summer art fairs and festivals!
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Share This Post