Grey Matters

Next Meeting

2009-03-08T12:18:00.000-07:00

We are looking at having the next GreyMatters Project meeting on Tuesday, March 24th. We could go to the Munch Exhibit, then have the meeting at Shar's. Please let me know if that date does not work for you.

Also, this is a call out to look for a new member or 2 in the group. If you have any ideas of someone that may be interested in this project- let us know.

Next Meeting

2009-02-15T17:00:00.001-08:00

The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 24th- we could meet at about 3:00 at the Art Institute and then over to Shar's. Gail cannot make it the the meeting. She will pass some ideas for the project on before that time. If you think we should reschedule- let the group know.

CRAIG IS STILL NOT SIGNED UP ON THE BLOG- SO PLEASE GET ON HIS CASE.....

-Make sure to view the video on creativity that Meltem passed along on the blog- we could talk about it at the next meeting.

-Each of us should post a least 2 ideas to the blog before next week, so we can get the ideas rolling.

Artists and their "Studio."

2009-02-11T08:55:00.000-08:00

My friend Louise inspired me with her lovely studio photos . I thought to collect and share studio photos of all of my artist friends as a means of inspiring al of us.If you wish, Please add your favorite studio photos for all of us to share, or you can email me I can add to the album to make a nice collection. Please don't forget the link your web site so we can enjoy your work.
It has been always fascinating for me to see where art gets produced. What kind of surrounding influences our creative process as an artist?
Please click on the the link says Artist and their Studio above.
To our salon group :View the album ,you will have a smile on your face :-)

Where the ideas comes from

2009-02-11T07:34:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share Elisabeth Gilbert's thoughts about creativity and the artist. It is passionate,brilliant and inspiring. Please take a time listen, it is good conversation starer for our next meeting.

Elizabeth Gilbert: A different way to think about genius

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2009-02-01T15:41:00.001-08:00

http://us.mg2.mail.yahoo.com/ya/download?mid=1%5f1304284%5fAMyetEQAADIVSYYhPQ721A6bnCM&pid=2&fid=Inbox&inline=1

Read the info bellow. And go to the link....

If you see this lady turning in clockwise you are using your right brain.
If you see it her tuning the other way, you are using left brain.
Some people do see both ways, but most people see it only one way.

See if you can make her go one way and then the other by shifting the brain's current.
BOTH DIRECTIONS CAN BE SEEN.

Experimentation has shown that the two different sides or hemispheres of the brain are responsible for different manners of thinking. The following table illustrates the differences between left-brain and right-brain thinking:

Left Brain Right Brain
Logical Random
Sequential Intuitive
Rational Holistic
Analytical Synthesizing
Objective Subjective
Looks at parts Looks at wholes

Most individuals have a distinct preference for one of these styles of thinking. Some, however, are more who le-brained and equally adept at both modes. In general, schools tend to favor left-brain modes of thinking, while downplaying the right-brain activities. Left-brain scholastic subjects focus on logical thinking, analysis, and accuracy. Right-brained subjects, on the other hand, focus on aesthetics, feeling, and creativity.

If you look away, she may switch from one direction to the other.
KAthy send me this I thought you might find interesting and amusing...

Shar3

2009-01-27T16:56:00.000-08:00

Kathy2

2009-01-27T16:53:00.000-08:00

Meltem 3 A conceptual ora

2009-01-27T16:50:00.001-08:00

Meltem2

2009-01-27T16:45:00.000-08:00

Brian5 Show off!

2009-01-27T16:44:00.002-08:00

Brian 4 Stop already!

2009-01-27T16:44:00.001-08:00

Brian3

2009-01-27T16:38:00.000-08:00

Brian 2

2009-01-27T16:36:00.000-08:00

Gail3

2009-01-27T16:35:00.003-08:00

Gail2

2009-01-27T16:30:00.000-08:00

Amy3

2009-01-27T16:27:00.001-08:00

Amy2

2009-01-27T16:26:00.001-08:00

Craig3

2009-01-27T16:20:00.003-08:00

Craig 2

2009-01-27T16:19:00.001-08:00

Craig2a

2009-01-27T16:17:00.000-08:00

Shar3

2009-01-27T16:15:00.001-08:00

Last Night's Meeting

2009-01-27T16:02:00.000-08:00

Last nights meeting was interesting (and fun). So what we need to do now is gather our own ideas- at least 6 of them- images, theme ideas, objects- something to create a visual unity in the group work. We can present our ideas on the blog or/and in the next meeting that may be scheduled around the Edvard Munch show at the Art Institute. I resent the invitations to Brian, Gail, Kathy and Craig to sign up on the blog.....

Shar2

2009-01-26T19:36:00.000-08:00

Shar 2

2009-01-14T12:16:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone, I am back from Turkey and looking forward to our meeting. I stumbled in this web site recently and thought to share with you. The blog is about 146 artist gathering in cyberspace to paint for a collaborative cause. here is the link to the site.
http://www.dailypainters.com/books/#preview

"From around the globe, 146 artists gathered in cyberspace. We donned our best berets, and set out with our paintbrushes and easels in one hand, and our computers in the other. Our mission? To bring you the world, one brushstroke at a time."

Here is few samples of the work:

October 2008 Meeting Notes

2008-11-11T06:52:00.000-08:00

As stated at the first meeting- “It is critical that the project is chronicled properly”.
The blog is a great way to move this project forward- we need to communicate more than once a month on this. Each person should check the blog at least weekly and post comments, thoughts and what you are working on!

At the October meeting:

We discussed the panel and decided that any panel with the exact dimensions would be fine- also do what ever you want to do to finish the sides.
Our invited artists did not make it, but maybe Tommy can make it next time- Meltem will check with Connie.

We showed our panels and here are several of the comments:

We may want to consider bringing panels done from previous weeks at another time to review them and look at more together.
Everyone followed the directions except Amy, with the red bird.
Some people took the black and white literally and others used a greyed down palette.
There are many cool/warm greys.
Shar thought it is important for continuity in the work- something that holds the panels together. Her idea was journaled and stemmed from painting things that you do not look at everyday and go unnoticed.
The paintings may, in the end, demonstrate the transition from greys to color over time.
Brian- curating the show will pull it together- when there are more paintings we may pull out things that do not work with the group of paintings.
Kathy-it is important to have a thread of commonality within the work- why the title “grey matters”?
Meltem- does not want to paint in greys and chose a muted green to start her panel. Discussed the literal-emotional continuum of the grey matters idea and know that she will paint to the emotional side. She pointed out that some of the work seems like paintings, others more like a study.
Narration present at the show may contribute to the common thread/continuity.
We need to further investigate the subject and will do one more grey panel and see where it goes from there.
It is all about the creative process and the journey and getting into it more.
Should we rework any of the paintings? Some say no, it should reflect a process and if we rework it – may detract from this- others say, there should be no rules about this.

Thanks to everyone for their work and to Meltem for hosting!

The date for the next meeting is Tuesday, December 9th and will be at Meltem's house. Let the group know if this date does not work for you.

After Meeting Comments:
We need to have a better flow of our meetings:

Start by hanging the paintings and just looking.
Each artist will discuss their paintings one at a time without interruption.
Those ideas and processes that lead to their 10 x 10 are important to move forward to the next level of paintings and should be given the attention they deserve.

Comments and questions specific to the work can be held until you are finished but may be taken right after show and tell so people don't forget what they want to say before we move on to the next painting. Which again may add dimension to your work or inspire a painting for next time.

If you did not finsish your 10 x 10, for what ever reason, please give that person that has contributed a painting a chance to speak first. You may have ideas in the works for your next painting that would be interesting and helpful to discuss with the group, but too bad, now you're last!!

On question of new members:
It is important that we maintain an active group of members throughout this project. If anyone has an idea of an artist that may be interested in the project- please follow this procedure:
Present the idea of the new member to the group and find out if the group thinks that the person may be a good fit to the group.
If the majority thinks it may be a good fit, tell the artist about the group and ask them to come to a meeting.
Set up the date that they will attend and make sure that the artist can present their work to the group at this meeting. Tell the artist about the blog.

On the next panel and creating a common theme within the work:

We will be continuing with the grey palette.
It could be things that go unnoticed (Shar). I feel that the world is so overstimulating at this point due to computers and information- we forget what is really important.
Another idea is to produce a painting about each artist in the group.

Let''s get this part of the discussion moving before the next meeting!

On a previous note:
I talked to Brian and he had some input and ideas that I wanted to pass
along: We could use a 10 x 10 format to write down ideas gotten from the meeting,
comments from the meeting and/or notes to ourselves on what we plan to do
for the next panel. These notes could later become part of an exhibition.

All for now................................

October Meeting, Grey Matters-Gail

2008-10-28T19:51:00.000-07:00

October Meeting, Grey Matters-Meltem

2008-10-28T19:47:00.000-07:00

October Meeting, Grey Matters-Craig

2008-10-28T19:46:00.002-07:00

October Meeting, Grey Matters-Kathy

2008-10-28T19:46:00.001-07:00

October Meeting, Grey Matters- Shar

2008-10-28T19:45:00.001-07:00

October Meeting, Grey Matters- Amy "Dreaming of Color"

2008-10-28T19:43:00.000-07:00

October Meeting, Grey Matters- Brian

2008-10-28T19:42:00.001-07:00

2008-10-27T09:25:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

I tumbled in this artist when I was checking out some art blogs. Please take a look at his story. It is fascinating. It is a story of discipline and commitment and success. Here is his blog:

Also Take a look at his link page. There are articles and the archive of the paintings he has made as well as the cigar box easel.

A Painting a Day

http://duanekeiser.blogspot.com/

Here are some links to the articles in New York Times and USA Today.

Everyday Scenes, Painted Every Day - New York Times

Artists take paintings to masses - USATODAY.com

It was humbling to read about his commitment to paint one painting a day and stuck by the commitment it about 2 years. O boy , this makes me feel ashamed. Given I couldn't even catch up with a painting a month concept! Anyways hope this inspires us all. Good and productive week. M

10 x 10 Revisited- Meeting September 15, 2008

2008-10-22T08:27:00.000-07:00

September, 15, 2008- Meeting at Brian's This to update for the previous meeting.

It was decided that the group would revisit it.

In attendance: Shar, Amy, Craig, Kathy, Brian, Gail.

The goal is to use the synergy of a group to our benefit- the total could be greater than the sum of its parts. To have a project to work on that will allow is to expose the creative process and work towards a goal of having an exhibition.
We discussed why we thought this 10 x 10 project did not work last time we tried.

For the next 10-12 months, this 10 x 10 project will be the focus of the group. We need to have a specific goal and plan in mind as we go along to facilitate the commitment to this project. The end vision is important.
Size and number of panels?
10 x 10 is fine- the panel we use will be determined ahead of time. Surface can be changed by artist.
Panel is Blick Studio arts board- acrylic primed 10” x 10”, 1.5” cradle. 13610-1010

Any specific recommendations on theme?
An innovative theme would be a good idea. The exhibition needs to be interesting to someone else. Several ideas were discussed, we talked about having the next meeting to bring ideas, but it was decided that we need to get going. Guidelines can be altered along the way- but let’s get started.
The theme: “Grey Matters”. Originally started out as “Shades of Grey(Gray)”- then the topic was expanded. Grey matters- could mean many things from simply painting in shades of grey, to looking at levels of ambiguity and to what is going on in the grey matter.

Shar sent the following email after the meeting:
If we end up going with this idea/title I think we may need to tie it together with a bigger thought...

grey matters: a group experiment in collective thought grey matters: a group experiment in collaboration grey matters: a group approach to continuous thought

Set guidelines.
Monthly meetings continue more regularly scheduled.
Next meeting- first panel- use a grey “monochromatic” palette to encourage unity.

Each meeting we need to have a panel prepared to discuss and at the end of that meeting we will decide the next task.
Commitment from all members is needed. If anyone does not want to participate- they can be put in a “holding pattern” until we are finished with the project. We may want to look at adding to our group.
How many group members and panels per member will be determined. We need to be aware that if we do not get the panels and parts of the projects done as committed to on a monthly basis- momentum is lost and the evolution of the project is changed.

We all have talents that can add to the facilitation of this project- such as communicator, documenter, promo design, marketer etc…. this will be determined as we go along.

We will have a blog with documentation of this project- for people to add ideas to and see what is going on. This blog will be in an open format allowing the outsiders to look at our collaboration process. It is critical that the project is chronicled properly.

This is pretty much where we ended this meeting.

2. Complete at least one panel for marketing package 10/08
-Collect information and image from each person for marketing plan
-Discuss and design promo materials
-Plan for sharing of responsibilities-(design, promotion, follow up)

3. Promo Package
-Put together ideas and lists of venues where we would like work to be 11/08

4. Market to venues to establish show date. TBD
-Establish show date.

5. Complete 10- 10 x 10’s for each person TBD

2008-10-22T07:58:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone, I thought this might be an interesting show to catch up. Beside the photo is black and white so I thought it might be very fitting to gray matters subject!

Part of: blogs.walkerart.org

Happy Birthday, Frida
by Paul Schmelzer at 10:40 am 2007-07-06
Filed under: Exhibitions
One hundred years ago today, Frida Kahlo was born. In Mexico, the occasion is being marked with the opening of the exhibition Treasures from the Blue House, Frida and Diego, featuring never-before-seen items locked away in trunks at Kahlo and husband Diego Rivera’s house, Casa Azul (now the Frida Kahlo Museum). The show includes 22,105 documents, 5,387 photos, 179 pieces of clothing and more than 6,000 magazines and books owned by Kahlo. Much of the material was locked away at Rivera’s request; he asked that her personal effects not be exhibited publicly for 15 years after her death in 1957. The AP reports:

But Dolores Olmedo, a patron of Rivera, kept them closed, believing the trunks could contain personal information that would compromise the couple’s image, said her son, Carlos Phillips Olmedo, who runs several museums, including The Blue House.

In 2004, a year after Olmedo’s death, curators opened the trunks.

Inside they found corsets Kahlo used to support her back, after she fractured it in a bus accident as a young girl.

Curators also found snippets reflecting Kahlo’s daily life, including a trolley car ticket with a scribbled note, a napkin stained with a lipstick kiss, letters from European artists and 102 never-before-seen drawings by Kahlo.

They also discovered 30 photos that Kahlo’s father, photographer Guillermo Kahlo, had taken of himself, possibly inspiring Kahlo’s self portraits which she used to deal with her accident, her tumultuous marriage and her inability to have children.

Closer to home, the Walker, in association with SFMOMA, is commemorating Kahlo’s birth year with the first American traveling Kahlo traveling exhibition in decades. Frida Kahlo will open at a preview party in Minneapolis on October 26. Curated by the Walker’s Betsy Carpenter and guest co-curator (and Kahlo’s official biographer) Hayden Herrera, it features some of Kahlo’s best known paintings, art her works inspired, and a room of photos from Kahlo’s personal albums, many never exhibited before. The show will travel to the Philadelphia Museum of Art this winter and SFMOMA next summer.

Above: Kahlo poses with Guadalupe Marin, onetime wife of Diego Rivera.

Why Grey Matters

2008-10-21T21:10:00.000-07:00

From black to white. Dark to light. Exposed to concealed. Recognize the nuances and subtleties that go unnoticed. Look beyond the obvious. And study the essence of what lies between. shar 10/21/08