Art is Moving

quintessential quotes

noreply@blogger.com (Art is Moving) — Thu, 24 May 2012 17:01:00 +0000

When it is working, you completely go into another place, you’re tapping into things that are totally universal, completely beyond your ego and your own self. That’s what it’s all about.”

~Keith Haring

Art4Moore - Our first 2012 Sponsor!

noreply@blogger.com (Art is Moving) — Wed, 23 May 2012 15:00:00 +0000

A gargantuan THANK YOU to Art4Moore for becoming a "Muse" Sponsor for Take 5: ARTbreak Day 2012! We could not make this project happen without their support.

Art4Moore is a non-profit organization established in memory of Marjory Moore Brooks and created with the mission of providing art supplies, support and funding for youth.

There is still time to donate to this awesome project. Every dollar counts! Click here to donate today. And, thank you thank you thank you for your support.

What is the Best Art News of the Day

noreply@blogger.com (Art is Moving) — Fri, 18 May 2012 04:58:00 +0000

What is the best art news of the day?
That was the question I posed to my Google browser and look what popped up
Where the Great Women Artists Are Now.

I think I concur. But this was from 2007. Makes me think...were is all the great art news now :) What do you all think about this article and about the state of Art in the news these days? ~Lisa

Art and Dinner

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren Odell Usher) — Wed, 16 May 2012 22:17:00 +0000

If you could have dinner with 3 artists

(dead or alive)

would would you choose?

Share your comments below.

Art is Life~Right?

noreply@blogger.com (Art is Moving) — Fri, 11 May 2012 02:07:00 +0000

Check this out...
'Roger Vivier: Process To Perfection': Bata Shoe Museum Exhibit Sheds Light On History Of The Stiletto

I personally feel that stiletto's are a form of Art, but if worn totally about a strange from of oppression.

What do you think? Can shoes be Art? and have societal affects?

Maurice Sendak

noreply@blogger.com (Art is Moving) — Wed, 09 May 2012 22:17:00 +0000

To a man with one of the most fascinating imaginations and coolest drawing style, you will be sorely missed.

And, on top of that, thank you for your amazing wit.

This is one if my favorite interviews of all time.

The Colbert Report
Get More: Colbert Report Full Episodes,Political Humor & Satire Blog,Video Archive

Spread the Word! Take 5: ARTbreak Day 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Art is Moving) — Wed, 02 May 2012 20:03:00 +0000

This year's video hot off my desktop computer. Share this video with your family, friends, co-workers, strangers, everyone! We want to make this year's Take 5: ARTbreak Day even more powerful than last year!!! We can't wait to see you all there taking a break and making art for FREE! Join us and share this video (Click the word SHARE at the top right side of the video screen).

Thanks for the support!

Lauren and Lisa

Changing the World One Art Work at Time!

noreply@blogger.com (Art is Moving) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 03:52:00 +0000

Imagine a world where everyone took time out of their day to take a break, sit down, and make art together. We would have a more peaceful, open, and limitless world. Communities thrive when they work together and boundaries are always crossed when strangers sit at a table and create art with one another.

This is the dream of two artists and that is what exactly happened in the SF Bay Area on September 2nd, 2011 at the first Take 5 ARTbreak Day and magic transpired.

On that day in the five communities of Richmond, Berkeley, San Rafael, San Francisco, and Oakland, temporary Art Hubs were set up with an array of free art supplies for all to partake in the creative process. Passionate volunteers were attentively standing by to invite all who passed by to create and to foster their inner artists. Art was embraced as a beacon of connection. As on that day people from all walks of lives and from various countries around the world smiled, chatted, and connected through the process of making art together.

The dream of the two artists, that Art should be Free and accessible to all is alive and it is expanding. The second annual Take 5: ARTbreak Day is happening on September 7, 2012 in the SF Bay Area and in Los Angeles, California! We really would love for you all to be part of the Free Art Movement! and we really need your help!

Here are five ways you can be part of the Free Art Dream for all!

1. Become aware and engaged.
First step is to please check out our website at www.artbreakday.com. Also, check out the amazing documentation (photos) of Take 5: ARTbreak Day 2011 and read the articles that were featured in five newspapers about Take 5.

*Click the title to read the article*

Diverse group embraces open offer to create art: Jill Tucker, San Francisco Chronicle

Art Break Day: A chance to take a moment to create: Mary Ellen Hunt, San Francisco Chronicle

Forget your coffee break! Take an art break instead Steven E.F. Brown, San Francisco Business Times

Take 5' and make some art: By Jennifer Modenessi,Oakland Tribune

2. Become an active Art Hero and have your business or corporation become a Sponsor of this amazing community bonding event.

3. Become an engaged Art Angel, give what ever you are comfortable with as an individual sponsor of this amazing community ARTreach event. Everything counts!

4. Become the HeART of the movement~ Volunteer at the event or pre and post the event.

5. Become an allegiant Art Messenger and spread the word through posting this on your Blog, send it to newspapers, write a bigger article, interview Art is Moving, Post it on Face book and Twitter. Send it to all you friends. Please let us know what you have done, so we can give you ample credit!

The last and the most important part~ please join us at Take 5: ARTbreak 2012! And create some art with humanity !
We have a vision of having Take 5: ARTbreak Day on the global calendar- please help us make it happen!

If you have any questions about how to help Take5:ARTbreak 2012 please e-mail us at artismoving@gmail.com

Who or what is the crazy mastermind behind this public art intervention?

Two uberly passionate professional artists, who at their core felt that art can change the world. Lauren Usher and Lisa Rasmussen, who call their collaboration Art is Moving, both believe that Art should be part and should be inclusive of every ones lives. The benefits are infinite in individuals and in communities. For over two years of their lives, they as a team worked tirelessly organizing and campaigning to raised funds and to offer five communities along with thousands of participants the opportunity to create ART for Free. Please join us!

Have a little fun with art today

noreply@blogger.com (Art is Moving) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 14:32:00 +0000

source = i.imgur.com

quintessential quotes: Dali

noreply@blogger.com (Art is Moving) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 17:08:00 +0000

"Progressive art can assist people to learn not only about the objective forces at work in the society in which they live, but also about the intensely social character of their interior lives. Ultimately, it can propel people toward social emancipation."

Salavador Dali

Ouch! Burning Art

noreply@blogger.com (Art is Moving) — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 17:59:00 +0000

I understand the Director of Casoria Contemporary Art Museum is getting world wide attention, but this just hurts the heart. What do you think? Do you feel it is right or wrong to burn Art in protest?

Italy museum burns art to protest against crisis

Go Artist's! Art always starts the conversation!

noreply@blogger.com (Art is Moving) — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 13:42:00 +0000

Many artists are gently pushing at boundaries

and limits of expression in the socially conservative country

"You need to talk and engage to get people involved to evolve as a society. People are afraid of talk. Much more, we should be afraid of silence."

"We want to let the world know what Saudi Arabia is all about, through the eyes of its artists. We know that we have a voice that we want people to listen to. We have thoughts and experiences to share."

Here is my favorite link of the week,Saudi's new breed of artists push the limits it is really an inspiring news story! Freedom of expression is so valiant!

Let the weather be your guide - Experiments in Creativity #21

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren Odell Usher) — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 15:00:00 +0000

I am sitting and listening to one of the biggest storms of the season in my city thinking, "this is a perfect point of inspiration!"

So, let the weather be your muse this month and create something inspired by it.

Can't wait to see what the weather makes you do!

Trying something new.

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren Odell Usher) — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 15:49:00 +0000

I had a bit of a tough time with this Experiment in Creativity as I have jumped around a lot in terms of medium. I found myself on my bed with my puppy Neko at my feet. I decided just to draw her as she lay there still and sweetly.

After that, I drew a few more items that were scattered about my room. Then my ambition of creating a public art sculpture popped in my head. So, I decided to sketch the first thing that came to mind and here's what I drew.

Imagine walking around your city to find a larger than life art piece of laundry blowing in the wind. I'm talking 12ft or more! The ordinary and extraordinary wrapped into one. There is a great deal more work to put into a public art piece than one small instant drawing, but it is certainly a start!

Thanks for the inspiration Lisa!

I am an Artist: Megan Rham, Ohio

noreply@blogger.com (Art is Moving) — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Why are you an artist?

I guess the easy answer would be that I am an artist because I am actively pursuing a career creating art. There’s so much more to it, though. I feel like I use art to communicate and relate to other people. It’s how I tell my story. It’s my outlet, my lifestyle, as well as my career.

Do you feel art is healing?

I believe art can definitely be part of a healing process. The subject of my artwork is usually my symptoms and experiences with mental illness. I started drawing and painting in the beginning of my recovery from bulimia and schizoaffective disorder 6 years ago. I was actually in a residential treatment facility at the time. There was a lot of down time while I was at this facility, and I started drawing and painting to deal with the boredom. That’s how it started. I had no idea how much art would help me. It was an excellent outlet. Many of the other patients at the facility kept journals. I kept a sketchbook. My sketchbook really helped me to communicate to my treatment team what I was experiencing. It was the encouraging words from other patients at the facility that made me want to show my work at shows and galleries. I have continued to create more and more art since being discharged from the residential treatment facility. Today, even though I am recovered from the bulimia and stable on medication for the schizoaffective disorder, I still use art as an outlet and as a healing tool. When I go to a show or opening with my work, I am very open as to what my work is about. Often times my artwork starts a conversation about mental health, which to me is amazing. I feel like the only way we can get through the stigma surrounding mental illness is by having an open conversation. I talk to people at shows and tell my story, and so many people can relate. While I don’t think that art necessarily cured me, it has definitely been a part of my healing process on top of medication and therapy.

What is your favorite medium and why?

My favorite medium at the moment would be colored pencils. There’s a lot of down time at my day job so I usually work on artwork while I’m at work. It’s kind of silly, but I really like colored pencils because it’s easy for me to carry them back and forth to work. Really I can sit down anywhere and start to draw with them. Plus I love that they are colorful.

What inspires your work?

My experiences with mental illness inspire my work. My symptoms make me feel unique, yet able to relate to others, so it’s really the perfect subject matter for my art. By that I mean not everyone experiences hallucinations in the same way I do, so that makes me feel unique and like I have a one-of-a-kind image to draw or paint. And while not everyone who sees my art hallucinates, almost everyone can relate to the emotions that come with hallucinations like fear, sadness, loss of control, etc. Many people who see my artwork can find a way to relate on some level. That to me is awesome. That’s the whole reason I’m here making art: to relate to other people because we are all in this world and life together.

What is your audiences response to your work?

I think it’s really interesting to hear what others think of my work. I really don’t create the type of work you would take home and hang above your couch in the living room, so if someone buys one of my pieces, it’s usually because they have found a way to connect with it on a personal level. I like creating artwork that starts conversation, and I am thrilled that that happens a lot when I go to different shows.

What is the value of ART in our society?

There is so much value in art in our society and I don’t even think people realize it! Art can mean so much. It can be the design of a shampoo bottle, or the video shot for a commercial or movie, or the make up on the model in the magazine ad. Art really is everywhere! It really brings in so much revenue when you think of it in that sense. Unfortunately, not everyone is realizing this because we don’t value art and music education. They are the first programs to be cut when schools are having a hard time. It’s devastating.

Where do you see yourself as an artist in 5 years?

In five years, I would like to see myself as a more versatile artist. Keeping true to my own unique style, yet maybe becoming more knowledgeable in different media and techniques. I am primarily an untrained artist, but I took a couple classes this past year and I was amazed at how helpful they were! It doesn’t really change what I want to communicate through my art, but it just adds more tools to the toolbox; more ways to say what I want to say.

What are your ultimate goals as an artist?

I guess my ultimate goal would be similar to many other artists- to completely support myself with my artwork. That would be fantastic to just be able to create art all day long and have it pay the bills as well. However, my ultimate goal really is to just be well respected. I want people to know my work and know my story, and hopefully it can inspire others or at least get people talking.

What does art mean to you?

Art means so much to me on so many different levels. My birth mother, who passed away when I was five years old, was an artist. When I create art I feel a connection to her, even though I don’t really remember her. As I have mentioned many times in this interview, art is my outlet. It is healing for me to be able to express what I am experiencing with my mental illness through art. I also feel it is healing for others to see my work and talk about mental health. Finally, for me art is fun! To have a career where you really love what you are doing is amazing! I couldn’t see myself doing anything else!

Megan's Website: www.meganrahm.com

French Art

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren Odell Usher) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Robert Doisneau

I am traveling to Paris this week and thought it would be a perfect time to share some of my favorite French artists. Who are your favorite French artists?

Sophie Calle
I relate to her obsession with other people's lives. I also admire her commitment to her concepts.

more here.

Eugene Atget
He offers a perspective that I've never seen before.

more here.

Henri Rousseau

It feels like he's on the edge of reality and imagination.

more here.

Henri Cartier-Bresson

A master of capturing a perfect moment in time.

more here.

Daniel Buran
Color

more here.

Auguste Rodin
The texture and the tone (kind of creepy, kind of thoughtful) of his work draw me.

more here.

Art Power- Here!

noreply@blogger.com (Art is Moving) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 16:35:00 +0000

I love this link!

ART HEALS, ART EMPOWERS, ART is FREEDOM! and it TRANSCENDS all BOUNDARIES!

"When I put a paintbrush in my hands for the first time, I instantly felt

my life change.I could finally focus without getting distracted and my paintings

helped me convey everything I had difficulty expressing,"

Amanda LaMunyon: Teenage Artist With Autism Paints Brilliant Nature Scenes

Tell us about a poignant moment when you felt ART's power?

quintessential quotes: Winslow Homer

noreply@blogger.com (Art is Moving) — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 22:34:00 +0000

The Sun will not rise or set without my notice and thanks.

(Winslow Homer, 1836-1910)

What is the ONE word you would use to define ART?

noreply@blogger.com (Art is Moving) — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 16:45:00 +0000

FREEDOM.

Artwork created during Take 5: ARTbreak Day 2011

What about you?

If you were limited to just one word to define art, what word would you use?

❤ Ecology meets ART

noreply@blogger.com (Art is Moving) — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 17:32:00 +0000

"When creative acumen meets the need of the hour, beautiful operatives come into existence. At this point in time, renewable sources of energy and energy conservation are the needs of the hour, while the creative power is represented by artists and design icons from all over the world. " 10 renewable energy generating art installations

I absolutely love this link on Eco Friend

Forever, I have thought as I look around at such ugly and functional architecture in our dire urban landscape is there not a better way. Would it not be amazing if they added a beautiful aesthetic to everything that was built.
I love what these artists have done in creating energy generating Art!!
Married function, form, beauty, awareness, and imagination! Bravo!

What do you all think?

Our Crafternoon with GoGo Craft and CoachArt!

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren Odell Usher) — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 16:00:00 +0000

What a splendid time I had making art with the lovely families, staff, and volunteers of CoachArt. It was also great to spend an afternoon with my dear friend Amelia of GoGo Craft!

While Amelia taught everyone how to make their own unique super hero masks (I know! So cool!) I let everyone play around in the world of no rules. Everyone had access to paint, pencils, markers, and oil pastels and the possibilities were endless. No rules, no judging, just the pure joy of making art together.

It's amazing what some people can create in such a small amount of time!

Thanks for all who attended. Hope you had as much fun as I did.

Try something new: Experiments in Creativity #20

noreply@blogger.com (Art is Moving) — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 11:30:00 +0000

Behold the turtle. He makes progress only when he sticks his neck out.

~James Bryant Conant

I think as Artists and Creatives we tend to limit what we do in the creative field.. For example I identify myself as a painter and within that realm I am developing and refining a body of work to exhibit in the world. I have goals and when I go into my studio- I rarely say today I am going to try something totally different. It seems that as one matures as an Artist you forget about the other options around you. You kind of forget that creativity is all about PLAY.

For this Experiments in Creativity I would like you to break out of your box and I would like you to try something totally new. Stretch the boundaries of your creative horizons and try some creative activity that you have never done before.

Looking forward to see what transpires.

Smiling Animism

noreply@blogger.com (Art is Moving) — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 16:09:00 +0000

I really like this link that I found in the UK Telegraph on artist Nikita Nomerz The Living Wall: Russian street artist Nikita Nomerz turns derelict buildings into faces.

"I started in school with classic hip hop graffiti but became more interested in street art and began all sorts of experiments. Now basically I like to play with space and objects. I am inspired by the place itself. I love watching the city and finding an interesting point. Usually I do not spend so much time to create one work, sometimes less than an hour. But it all depends on the size of the object and my ideas," Nikata Nomerz

Why does this Artists work speak to me?

Humor. It makes me smile! Right now I feel like I need some play in my life.
It nurtures my inner child, we all see faces in things rocks, clouds, and in toasted cheese sandwhichs :) especially as children
Also, I believe that through the passage of time- things and objects gain a spirit of some sort from the place they are in i.e. Animism. It also really enlivens the barren urban landscape.

What does his work say to you?

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren Odell Usher) — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 16:10:00 +0000

To answer Lisa's question about good or bad art I have to go to the paraphrasing of Plato and answer "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder."

This may sound like a cop-out, but read on. In order to know what bad art is we must first decide and define what good art is. I define good art as: that which causes you to take something into consideration. So, then, bad art is that which does not cause any consideration. A gray, broad definition that cannot be formulated or calculated in anyway.

Most days when I am asked this question by either myself or someone else, I tend to answer "who cares?" I honestly don't. I love art. I even love art that I hate. It all makes me feel something in a way that nothing else does. It causes me to have conversations that otherwise wouldn't occur. It brings out a passion from inside me that makes me want to be a better everything.

I would love to know what you think about this subject. Share your comments below or send us an email to artismoving (at) gmail (dot) com

Be nice galleries.

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren Odell Usher) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 21:06:00 +0000

One of my biggest pet peeves in the art world is the lame attitude of some galleries that I visit. A great number of galleries I have entered over the years didn't even acknowledge my presence when I walked through the door. Perhaps they have forgotten the work is for sale? Or maybe they believe that a snobby attitude is what collectors like to deal with? I don't care what they think. All I know is I love those galleries that take 3 seconds out of their day to smile and say hello. Believe me, it makes a difference.

Yesterday, I spent sometime on 49 Geary's 4th floor in San Fransisco. I took time to visit all of the galleries that were open to check out the shows. I wanted to share those galleries where I enjoyed my interactions with not only the art, but the art gallery. Thanks for being kind and caring what I think about your gallery. And, thanks for inviting me back again even though I didn't buy anything from you. I guarantee that I will come back to your gallery once again. For the other folks that didn't give me the time of day, I won't be sharing your names with my family or friends and I don't intend to return.

Modernbrook Gallery

*Best gallery experience in a long time!*

K. Imperial Fine Art

*Very nice and responsive*

Corden/Potts