HAPPY! That’s the word that pops into my mind when I see the vibrant, candy-colored work of Canadian painter Andrea Soos {who’s clearly been an artist since childhood!} Andrea’s process is just as joyful as the final piece: “she may not know the outcome of the piece when she begins – the artwork evolves as a visceral and therapeutic practice, driven by music and song lyrics.” LOVE! Andrea’s work is part of a group show that opens TODAY. It’s titled “Brushstrokes”, and can be found at ARTWRK.ca {an online gallery by Alissa Sexton}. Here’s the description of the show:

“Do you speak brushstroke?

An artist’s brushstroke can be as unique as their voice, and as recognizable as a written signature. For this show, I’ve brought together a handful of my favourite artists, who, on the surface, could be seen to be painting similar subjects. However, the beauty here is in comparing the individual brushstrokes, or voices, of the artists. In one show, we’re able to compare individual strokes and methods of paint application, to fully understand the diversity of this painted language.

Featuring some of our favourite painters: Kara McIntosh / Sharon Barr / Johanna Reynolds / Sue A Miller / Andrea Soos“

“Brushstrokes” runs until March 25th, 2021.

Gasp! Can you imagine discovering one of these magical pieces in the middle of nowhere? This is the breathtaking, colorful, large-scale textile work of Oklahoma based artist Rachel Hayes. Here are a few excerpts from an interview, giving insight into her work/process:

“I developed a love of materials, textures and processes while studying textiles and fiber art as an undergraduate student [Kansas City Art Institute]. Sewing, dyeing fabrics and weaving in particular are processes that I learned early on and continue to use to this day … When I first began my career, I wanted to challenge the dialog that often surrounded my work in relation to craft and specifically the process of sewing. Out of frustration, I created work as large and as bold as I possibly could – as if that would deem it more masculine, therefore more powerful – all while using delicate materials and building with tiny stitches … I lead viewer’s eyes with scale and the ordered construction of bright color, yet hope they will also experience more subtle and ephemeral nuances such as the changing light and shifting shadows or the sound of fabric rustling in the breeze.” ~ via she-explores.com

Beautiful.

{NOTE: This is the final week that new posts will be going up on the blog. Starting next Monday, March 15th 2021, all new content will be packaged up and delivered directly to YOUR INBOX! If you haven’t already become a member of ‘The NO SUCH THING AS TOO MUCH ART Society’, you can SUBSCRIBE right here.} 

Ahhhh, the work of New York based artist Johanna Goodman {yes, that’s Johanna in collage form right up there}. I’ve written about her “Imaginary Beings” before, and you better believe I’ll do it again! These statuesque figures are organized into all sorts of categories, from nature and cities, to animals and textiles. I’m a bit of a sucker for the Landscape Imaginary Beings, myself. Check out her “Catalogue of Imaginary Beings” if you’d like to add one of these beauties to your collection.

{NOTE: This is the final week that new posts will be going up on the blog. Starting next Monday, March 15th 2021, all new content will be packaged up and delivered directly to YOUR INBOX! If you haven’t already become a member of ‘The NO SUCH THING AS TOO MUCH ART Society’, you can SUBSCRIBE right here.} 

Reams and reams of ice-cream hued tulle spilling from a French castle? Yes, please! This is the work of Argentine born, US based artist Ana Maria Hernando, and everything you see gently falling from these windows, staircases and doors is part of her 2020 installation, titled “Flood”. Where is this magical place, you ask? Château de la Napoule, not far from Cannes on the coast of France… and yes, I want to go to there. Right. Now.

{NOTE: This is the final week that new posts will be going up on the blog. Starting next Monday, March 15th 2021, all new content will be packaged up and delivered directly to YOUR INBOX! If you haven’t already become a member of ‘The NO SUCH THING AS TOO MUCH ART Society’, you can SUBSCRIBE right here.} 

Loooove! These banners {fabric and stitched thread} are the work of California based artist Christopher Martin. All of these pieces are part of his current solo show at Hashimoto Contemporary SF {804 Sutter Street}, titled ‘Homeward Bound’. It’s a “mixed media collection of paintings and banners highlighting the duality of the African Diaspora and its hidden connection to American traditional sailor tattoos.” Here’s a description of his work via the gallery’s site:

Through his art, Martin tells the story of a young man coming from the South. While attending school at North Carolina A&T for graphic design, Martin was prone to create hand cut and sewn banners with logo-like images to tell a story relevant to his own culture and history. With cotton representing the toil/labor of those captured in the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, Martin hand-cuts and sews tapestry pieces that are representative of the modern-day experience of the African diaspora.

Brilliant and beautiful. ‘Homeward Bound’ runs until March 27th, 2021.

…….. NOTE: This is the final week that new posts will be going up on the blog. Starting next Monday, March 15th 2021, all new content will be packaged up and delivered directly to YOUR INBOX! If you haven’t already become a member of ‘The NO SUCH THING AS TOO MUCH ART Society’, you can SUBSCRIBE right here. 

Yep, it’s just you and me today, and I’m getting deep. The theme is CHANGE… a concept I have a love/hate relationship with. Anyway, have a listen right up there under the logo for the super duper big change that’s ready ‘n waiting for you, OR subscribe on Apple Podcasts and/or Spotify.

ps. Here are just a few of the tidbits that’ll arrive in your inbox as a member of ‘The NO-SUCH-THING-AS-TOO-MUCH-ART Society”:

I’m really excited, and I hope you decide to come along for the ride. If you have any questions at all, I’d love to hear from you. Leave a comment below, or email me at contact@thejealouscurator.com with the subject CLUB QUESTION.

And now, if you’d like to JOIN THE CLUB… please click right here!

Other links:

1. Petah Coyne on the podcast, Episode No.186
2. @daniellekrysaart on Instagram
3. Co-Loop Podcast Network!
4. Andy J. Pizza

Gasp! I wish I could pack a bag and stay in one of these pieces for the weekend. These hand-cut collages are the work of Australian artist Holly Leonardson, all of which are from her lovely 2019 series, “Spring Time 4”:

“The inspiration behind these works stemmed from my early morning routine of stretching and then walking or jogging to the beach. Dew drops that had been captured on petals and leaves would capture the light as the sun began to rise, and easily became a visual treat that I looked forward to experiencing every clear Spring morning.”

Ahhh, dew drops on petals… I might put some yoga pants and a lotus candle in an overnight bag, just in case. Happy Friday.

Acrylic, fabric and wood veneer on board. What!? LOVE. This is just one of many bodies of work by Atlanta / Brooklyn based artist Adrienne Elise Tarver. The series is titled “In The Dark”, and here’s why:

“… with a practice that spans painting, sculpture, installation, photography, and video, her work addresses the complexity and invisibility of the black female identity in the Western landscape — from the history within domestic spaces to the fantasy of the tropical seductress.”

Okay, I dove into the “domestic spaces”, but I bet “tropical seductress” caught your attention! Take a peek at “Mirage”, Adrienne’s series filled with greenish-blue watercolor wonderfulness.

{via Artsy}

 

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If you want cold hard proof that inspiration can come from ANYWHERE… you’re lookin’ at it! Ah, this is the brilliant, innovative, and hilarious work of UK based artist @smallditch aka Martha Haversham {doesn’t that sound kinda royal/Bridgerton-ish!?}. I’ve been following Martha since her foraging/collaging journey began a few years ago, and I never get tired of seeing her “found fashion”. Um, can we talk about the cat!? I mean, COME ON! Pure gold.

Okay, I was already missing traveling, but now I want to go traveling and then go swimming when I get there. These quiet, dreamy ink wash paintings are the work of Swedish artist Jon Koko. Yes, Swedish… but with a deep love for Japan:

‘After my first encounter with Japan, something indescribable happened inside me. You could say that my life changed completely from that point. The Japanese aesthetic and art became my main source of inspiration, while at the same time I was experiencing a sort of spiritual awakening.” ~ via Pen Magazine

The final piece above, titled Blå Vass {Blue Reeds}, definitely feels like a spiritual awakening to me. Love.

Some of Jon’s work is available in his online shop.