White Walls
January 23, 2011
De-installation of the Factor XX exhibit at the Art Museum of Los Gatos
Amazing how fast time goes by. Two years ago, I came up with idea to showcase women artists that shared a similar aesthetic value and work ethic. The result was an amazing and interesting exhibit at the Art Museum of Los Gatos.
This weekend the Factor XX exhibit had its final curtain call and closed down. Artists Mari Andrews, Mel Prest, Nancy White, Klari Reis, and Jenny E. Balisle were present for the de-installation. The remaining artists had a professional installer package and secure their artwork for delivery back to their studios.
Artwork is fragile and requires attention to details to avoid any damage. Thanks to years of experience, the artists utilized specific methods on how to handle their art. Overall, the process went smoothly and on schedule.
Taking down exhibits is much easier and faster than installing. The planning that went into the show took years but only minutes to take down. At the end of the afternoon, the Museum was quiet with bare white walls.
However, I left with positive memories that will only flourish into new and exciting experiences…
The Links:
The Talk
January 15, 2011
Factor XX Panel Talk at the Fisher Middle School in Los Gatos
Artists are interesting individuals when it comes to communication. For example, panel discussions can give insight and provide information. When you combine artists and conversation, a lively dialogue emerges.
That is what happened last Thursday night at the Fisher Middle School in Los Gatos. The panel discussion included artists: Carol Ladewig, Amy Trachtenberg, Mari Andrews, Jenny E. Balisle, Nancy White, Mel Prest, and Lea Feinstein. Cathy Kimball, Executive Director of the San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art moderated by asking poignant, deliberate, and intelligent questions of the panel.
Ms. Kimball directed the artists to discuss their connections in practice within the Factor XX exhibition. The concept of melding simplicity and complexity was a commonality among the artists. A theme of line, mathematics, architecture, process, and space emerged.
The art of the Factor XX artists tell a story of gradual transitions within a structured art practice.
As a result, the discussion related the works while leaving room for exploration and interpretation.
The Links:
www.museumsoflosgatos.org/Museum.html
The Panel Discussion:
http://www.youtube.com/user/Balisle#p/c/0209A215342E7F95/0/_cpadR8sH0Q
http://www.youtube.com/user/Balisle#p/c/0209A215342E7F95/1/FPy4nYaUyF4
http://www.youtube.com/user/Balisle#p/c/0209A215342E7F95/2/Wva39N1qs9A
http://www.youtube.com/user/Balisle#p/c/0209A215342E7F95/3/TG1IyPgDkTE
http://www.youtube.com/user/Balisle#p/c/0209A215342E7F95/4/uuSxxLln7JU
http://www.youtube.com/user/Balisle#p/c/0209A215342E7F95/5/XvXNlgxJkac
http://www.youtube.com/user/Balisle#p/c/0209A215342E7F95/6/RoCH0__4pyw
VIP
January 11, 2011
VIP is defined as a person of great importance or influence. It can also be an individual who is given special privileges due to status. For artists, we seek validation and hope a VIP will acknowledge our art. Or perhaps, that our art will reach VIP status?
Most artists that contact me hope for that special “VIP” to discover their art so all their problems and struggles will fade away. I’ve found over the years, living in a fantasy world is just that. If you want to succeed as an artist you must be dedicated, consistent, and live in reality.
Last Sunday was the VIP opening at the Art Museum of Los Gatos. It was a private event for collectors, museum staff, artists, and family. The turnout was tremendous and the conversation was interesting.
I couldn’t have ask for more…
The Links:
http://www.youtube.com/user/Balisle#p/u/3/Fb4rh-VM_pY
http://www.youtube.com/user/Balisle#p/u/8/MrdW16S8gyQ
http://www.youtube.com/user/Balisle#p/u/10/nIg9pbeTGgA
http://www.youtube.com/user/Balisle#p/u/0/ktnkdvJmkXw
http://www.youtube.com/user/Balisle#p/u/1/jTBIro8D8xo
http://www.youtube.com/user/Balisle#p/u/2/8PYibvt6hes
http://www.youtube.com/user/Balisle#p/u/4/0I2vhCWHrZA
http://www.youtube.com/user/Balisle#p/u/5/CXQxcBg28HI
http://www.youtube.com/user/Balisle#p/u/6/eef6eREOl7o
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMstwPvjntI
http://www.youtube.com/user/Balisle#p/u/9/W7ru_0LUzOs
Art Speak
January 2, 2011
At the December 9th Factor XX opening, the artists had a chance to talk about their art and practice. Art Museum of Los Gatos curator, Catherine Politopoulos, asked all artists present to elaborate on the exhibit.
Ms. Politopoulos started the discussion by introducing the show, explaining the concept, and sharing her personal observations. The talk started in Gallery 1 where Jenny E. Balisle, Sharon Chinen, and Lea Feinstein shared insights about the exhibit.
The talk moved to Gallery 3 where artist Lea Feinstein talked eloquently about Klari Reis’s art. Carol Ladwig then discussed her art practice and motivation behind her painting: Taking My Own Advice.
In Gallery 2, Nancy White and Mel Prest discussed their art and practice. Mel Prest discussed her titles and concept. Nancy White talked about her process and inspiration.
The group moved to Gallery 4 where artists Jenny E. Balisle, Lorene Anderson, Mari Andrews, and Amy Trachtenberg discussed their art. Ms. Trachtenberg provided new insights regarding the installation piece: Slip Zone. Mari Andrews shared her installation process and details. Lorene Anderson discussed the inspiration behind her painting, Ersilia.
I then shared insights regarding the motivation behind the show and my art process. A common thread indeed did emerge…
Here are some videos from the talk:
The Links:
http://www.museumsoflosgatos.org/Museum.html
http://www.happenstand.com/sanfrancisco/events/5267-factor-xx
Season’s Greetings
December 24, 2010
JBP.1.9.28484 Layers of Oil Paint, Mediums on Wood Panel 84 x 84 inches
As another holiday comes and go with a New Year approaching, it’s a perfect time for reflection. With the Factor XX exhibit currently a reality, it made me contemplate how I got there. Two years ago, I had an idea to celebrate and showcase female artists. Instead of excuses and complaining, I decided to take action.
The timing would be interesting. December 2008 was the fall of the economy and uncertainty prevailed. The art market fell apart for emerging to mid-career artists. Blue-chip or dead artists were the hot commodities. Galleries started downsizing or shutting down. Funding for the arts disappeared with non-profit organizations. There was going to be a new reality.
Old students, new students, artists, friends, and strangers were contacting me. They were asking me questions like: How am I going to survive? How am I going to still make art? Will anyone want my art? How do I get into galleries? Why isn’t my art selling? I lost my job, how am I going to pay back my student loans?
Of course, I didn’t have the answers but people were looking for someone to point them in the right direction. However, they would have to discover the answers for themselves. If you have an idea or dream, do whatever possible to make it happen. Take the correct steps even though it will be difficult and don’t make excuses.
This new economy has provided a new truth with many challenges. It’s made everyone more appreciative and respectful for what they have. This is a time to work harder and not give up. Be grateful for every opportunity and don’t be judgmental.
If this is your only chance, then make it your best effort possible.
Live with no regrets and here’s to 2011!
Layout
December 20, 2010
Gallery 1 featuring artist Sharon Chinen
Gallery 2 featuring artists Mel Prest and Nancy White
Gallery 3 featuring artist Carol Ladewig
Gallery 3 featuring artist Klari Reis
Gallery 4 featuring artist Amy Trachtenberg
Gallery 4 featuring artist Mari Andrews
Gallery 4 featuring artist Jenny E. Balisle
Layout can be defined as the way things are arranged or a design showing positions. While organizing the Factor XX show at the Art Museum of Los Gatos, the layout was essential to making the exhibit a success.
The Art Museum of Los Gatos primarily has four gallery spaces. Gallery 1 is approximately 16 feet by 23 feet. It has a wood beamed angular ceiling and a big window that omits natural lighting. The three artists that are showcased in this space are Sharon Chinen, Emily Clawson, and Lea Feinstein.
Gallery 2 is approximately 10 feet by 16 feet. The space is right in front of the office of the Art Museum. The ceiling is not as high as Gallery 1 but the walls appear lighter due to no natural light. The two artists featured in this space are Mel Prest and Nancy White.
Gallery 3 is approximately 13 feet by 12 feet and adjacent to Gallery 2. The space is near the front entrance and receives some natural lighting via Gallery 1. Carol Ladewig and Klari Reis are showcased in this space.
As you walk out of Gallery 3, Klari’s painting is highlighted in the front foyer. As you walk past the docent’s office and down the stairs to Gallery 4, the Museum’s biggest exhibition space appears. Gallery 4 is approximately 26 feet by 30 feet and lit by a series of track lighting. Jenny E. Balisle, Lorene Anderson, Amy Trachtenberg, Mari Andrews, and Klari Reis are highlighted in the space.
The challenge was to bring the four gallery spaces together to make a cohesive exhibit. As a result, it was well worth the time and effort…
The links:
http://www.museumsoflosgatos.org/Museum.html
http://www.happenstand.com/sanfrancisco/events/5267-factor-xx
Openings
December 13, 2010
Amy Trachtenberg talk at Factor XX opening
Art openings come and go but others leave a lasting impression. Sunday afternoon’s opening for the Factor XX exhibit was memorable and well worth the effort. The day started with Art Museum of Los Gatos curator Catherine Politopoulos introducing the exhibit in Gallery 1. She spoke briefly then asked me to elaborate on the motivation behind the exhibit.
Here’s the show statement:
Selecting these specific women artists required a great deal of contemplation and reasoning. First, I wanted to bring attention to nonfigurative female artists who share the same work ethic, commitment to the arts, and consistent, high-quality output. Another key factor was their ability to keep up a strong studio practice while maintaining many other roles.
I also focused on women with a similar abstract aesthetic. As the group of artists took shape, a pattern or voice came into focus. Although each woman employs different mediums, from installation to painting, they all demonstrate similar sensitivity and distinctly styled surfaces.
The artists vary in age, education, and background. They didn’t attend the same art schools or grow up in the same neighborhoods, and they aren’t represented by the same galleries. It became clear early on that diversity would be key to the success of the show.
As an artist myself, I have often felt that women aren’t offered equal opportunities in this industry, and I wanted to be an advocate for their advancement. After two years of self-reflection, organizing, researching, and finally getting the nerve to put this together, I decided to take action to support quality women artists. Throughout my investigation, a common thread emerged throughout the group: quality has no boundaries.
Jenny E. Balisle
Artists Sharon Chinen, Lea Feinstein, Carol Ladewig, Nancy White, Mel Prest, Amy Trachtenberg, Lorene Anderson, Mari Andrews, and myself were present for the talk. It was fascinating listening to the commonalities of our art practice through our diverse backgrounds. A voice truly came into focus.
For that reason alone, the adventure has only begun…
The links:
Chaos to Clarity
December 8, 2010
Artist Klari Reis installing art for the exhibit.
Last weekend was installation time for the Factor XX exhibition at the Art Museum of Los Gatos. Honestly, I wondered how would everything come together? Would 2 studio visits, research, and a vision be sufficient? I had many questions but hoped for the correct answers. 11 artists, varying backgrounds and different art practices would merge together to form an exciting exhibit.
Of course, it was challenge but the group worked together well. Some exhibits show the stress of strain and exhaustion. However, the Factor XX artists worked together with respect and shared ideas in a honest manner. I couldn’t ask for better.
Saturday was the first day of installation that led the framework for the rest of the exhibit. The artists worked on securing their pieces and tailoring them to the venue’s space. The result was cohesive and not disconnected.
Sunday was the second half of the artists installing their work. A professional installer came in also to help fine tune and hang the heavier pieces properly. As the team went through, we worked on the details to make sure the space showcased the art perfectly.
Monday the lighting designer came in to highlight the pieces properly. Light used correctly makes a huge difference in presentation. Having the correct light bulbs, fixtures, and setup is essential. The visual experience is dramatically improved for the viewer and artist.
It’s been well worth the time and effort.
The links:
http://www.museumsoflosgatos.org/Museum.htm
www.mariandrews.com
www.cubberleyartists.com
www.nancywhite.net
www.emilyclawson.com
www.loreneanderson.com
www.jennyebalisle.com
www.melprest.com
www.leafeinstein.com
www.amytrachtenberg.com
www.klarireis.com
www.carolladewig.com
Time to Install
November 27, 2010
JBD.10.7.12247
It’s hard to believe how fast time flies. Next week will be the start of the installation for the Factor XX show at the Los Gatos Art Museum. The idea for the show started 2 years ago when I wanted to put together an exhibition that showcases and celebrates a group of women artists based on their art practice.
Almost a year ago, I contacted a group of artists and patiently waited for their reply. To be honest, I didn’t know what they would say or expect. I personally didn’t know each artist but deeply respected their art. Would they say yes or would they say no?
Fortunately, the majority of the responses were positive and it was time to move forward. The featured artists would be Mari Andrews, Sharon Chinen, Nancy White, Emily Clawson, Lorene Anderson, Mel Prest, Lea Feinstein, Amy Trachtenberg, Klari Reis, Carol Ladewig, and myself. I couldn’t be more pleased or proud of how the group has come together to make this happen.
As a result, the last year has included organizing the catalog, getting correct artist information, studio visits, planning the show, and etc… It’s been well worth the time and effort. The process has been exciting from just an idea to reality.
Now back to work…
The Links:
www.museumsoflosgatos.org/Museum.html
www.factorxx.com
www.mariandrews.com
www.cubberleyartists.com
www.nancywhite.net
www.emilyclawson.com
www.loreneanderson.com
www.jennyebalisle.com
www.melprest.com
www.leafeinstein.com
www.amytrachtenberg.com
www.klarireis.com
www.carolladewig.com
Definitions…
January 3, 2010
Feminist is defined “…as somebody who believes in the need to secure rights and opportunities for women equal to those of men, or somebody who works to secure these rights and opportunities.”
So why is this a “dirty” word or have such a negative connotation to certain audiences?
The definition of equality can be a radical concept.
