Myriam Eykens' Figures

Tenderly- Terra Cotta

I like these sculptures by Belgian artist Myriam Eykens:

LINK and LINK and LINK

(Thanks, artinconnu flickr set)

Harvey Pekar Died Today

Maybe you saw this film of Harvey Pekar's life (with an unforgettable performance by Paul Giamatti) or maybe you read his autobiographical comic book: "American Splendor". His stories were illustrated by many artists including R. Crumb.

Rest in peace, Harvey. Wikipedia link.

Ukulele Dreamgirl Painting in Brooklyn, July 16th

"Hokum Hallelujah" by Amy Crehore 2009 (oil on linen 12" x 18")

This is the piece I sent to Williamsburg, Brooklyn (NY) for the group show at the new 99% Gallery. I am hoping that people in the NYC area will make it out to the opening.

There's a mini preview of the show on Juxtapoz.com (looks good).

It opens on July 16th, 2010 from 7-10 pm.

Location: 99 North 10th

Brooklyn, NY 11211

The Art of Amy Crehore

Frauenfelder's New Book is a Joy to Read

Mark Frauenfelder doesn't need me to review his new book, "Made by Hand". It's been reviewed by almost everyone. He's been on the Colbert Report and interviewed by countless others. Time. com, Huffington Post, you name it. And I'm glad - because this book is utterly absorbing and I didn't want most of the chapters to end! It made me cry (when the family lost their chickens to predators), educated me (how cigarette advertising killed DIY, killing the lawn, growing food, etc.), made me laugh (recounting his family's reactions to his DIY projects and admitting his own mistakes) and it also inspired me to try new things.

The thing I can't get over, though, is what a great writer Mark is. He makes everyday homespun activities sound interesting and important. He encourages us to ask questions and learn about things that we don't already know about. Most of all, Mark tells us how fulfilling it is to have a more hands-on approach to life, to make the most of what we already have and to create new things. Mark reminds us that we need this soul food to stay in touch with ourselves and that our mistakes and frustrations are the very things that educate us.

MADE BY HAND

Fire Cracker Pack Labels

A nice collection of labels can be found at:

CRACKERPACKS

Close-Up of 3 Bathers, Amy Crehore

Close-Up of 3 Bathers, Amy Crehore
Originally uploaded by Amy Crehore

Here are the "bathers" in my new painting,
"The Waiting Pool". I'd like to do more "bather"
paintings. It's such a traditional subject:
Picasso, Renoir, Cezanne, Puvis de Chavannes,
Seurat, Bazille, Matisse, Bouguereau...they
all did bathers. Just google Bathers Paintings.

Ubaldo Oppi, Le tre bagnanti, 1927

Ubaldo Oppi, Le tre bagnanti, 1927
Originally uploaded by kraftgenie

Interesting example of "bathers" motif.
Oppi knew Picasso
(had an affair with his girlfriend) and also spent time in Italy.
Follow link to see and read more.
Loving his style -especially this painting.