Good Things Happening in Cleveland: Artist Justin Brennan

I'm very happy to be back in my hometown of Cleveland. A lot of good things are happening here, and a lot has changed since I left. The most exciting thing going on is, arguably, the art scene.

I recently attended Third Fridays at the 78th Street Studios, near my old stomping grounds. If you're in Cleveland you should definitely check it out!  I met a lot of fascinating artists, and one of my favorites is Justin Brennan.

Justin is a hardworking, prolific artist. So prolific that his art spilled out of his studio into the hallway. I spent a lot of time contemplating his work. I know it sounds strange, but when I say that his work spoke to me, I mean this literally. I could hear it. It sounded shamanic to me, like Gabrielle Roth or The Thievery Corporation, two of my muses.

I know it sounds arrogant, but dare I say that Justin is a kindred spirit. He has achieved something on canvas that I wish to achieve in my own art. Namely, simplicity, quickness of brushstroke, intuitive use of mixed media, movement and raw emotion. Justin is shy and humble when asked about his art, he doesn't over-intellectualize it.  I found this both endearing and refreshing.

I am not usually a lover of gallery walls in my decor, thinking they look too cluttered. But with Justin's art I would make an exception. So contemplative are his pieces, I could see them covering my walls and I would spend many hours meditating on them.

His studio is a work of art as well. I was so inspired upon entering his studio, I immediately wanted to move in and start creating.  Without further ado, I present to you the work of Justin Brennan.

This is my favorite. I think I need this.

More of Justin's work can be seen at his website here.

Stay tuned for more about the artists of 78th Street Studios.

All photos by Peggy for Creative Influences.

Square Peg, Your Curator, Vol. IV

Today I'd like to show the fascinating artwork of Amy Shawley.

 

My favorite piece is entitled "Guardian of the Watchtower."  Amy explains that the photo in this multi-media work is of an abandoned sugar factory in Brooklyn, the angel from a  drawing. Unfortunately, the building was later demolished.  I feel a kinship with Amy.

Amy's work evokes a myriad of feelings in me, just like art should.  These feelings are similar to those I experience when I explore my city with my camera. The abandoned buildings represent the impermanence of all things, and so much more.  I fall in love with their beauty and romanticized past.  So many issues come up for me.  Sadness.  Not only for the loss of an interesting structure, but also for the ending of a chapter in the city's life.  Fear.  For the unknown as we redefine the way we live.  Excitement.  About the promise for a better, smarter (and perhaps more sustainable) future.  Lastly, questions of how we define beauty and ugliness.  Both are just illusions.  All of this I try to communicate with my camera. Amy's work reminds me of a photo montage I recently completed based on the theme of abandonment.  If interested in seeing my piece, click here.

Amy's work has a yearning, romantic wistful quality to it.  Here are more of her multi-media pieces.  If you've been reading my curated series, you know that I am attracted to faceless images. 

I enjoy reading artists' blogs.  I am  fascinated when they show pictures from their sketchbook and of their process.  Amy generously gives us a peak into her creative soul.  As artists we try to explain that which is unexplainable.  However, put simply, we create because we must.  The act of creation becomes the most important thing and the journey is more important than the destination.  Amy's Etsy shop is here, her website is here.

Art in unexpected places

As you know, my sister-in-law recently took a trip to Japan. Of course she brought me back many fine gifts. She's generous like that. The presentation of each gift was an artform unto itself. I was as fascinated with the wrappings as I was with the gifts. Have a look.

These are prints from the dollar store in Tokyo! Fab!

And these are flyers from the hotel. I haven't decided what I'm going to do with all of these yet. I want to frame some of them, or make a collage. I know my next apartment will definitely have some Asian influence.

Happy Christmas!

Thank you so much to everyone who takes the time to read my blog and all the wonderful support! I can't tell you how much it means to me! Hope you have a wonderful holiday season and the best year of your life!

Collage by Peggy.  Images: Bibendum, the Michelin Man; Airstream 2007 designed by Chris Deam for Design Within Reach; Bibendum holding Heller dinnerware designed by Massimo Vignelli for DWR; spaceship - drain plug designed by Olof Hansson for DWR; globe, trees and astronauts from CB2 catalog; Hotei sitting on Airstream.

Scrap Art

These collage/multi-media works have never been seen by anyone (besides me). So much art is hiding in my closet that wants to be shared. I've been very shy about showing my art, but blogging has helped me immensely with this shyness. Like most artists I know, I am always working on many creative projects at the same time, and I make such a mess. One day after exhausing myself, I became fascinated by the scraps I had left everywhere and assembled them into these collages. Sometimes a small piece will fascinate me so much that I reproduce it on a large canvas.

These pieces were done in 2005 and are approximately 8" x 5.5". Materials are: acrylic, markers, staples, cardboard.