What happens in the art world, stays in the art world (is a bad thing.)

I'm in Chicago, sitting on Kay's couch, reading. Last night I printed up some new sayings, or "text pieces," in the studio, pictured above. On my reading list, Sharon Butler's savvy take on #class (a think tank-like project at Winkleman Gallery in New York, organized by artists William Powhida and Jennifer Dalton) on Huffington Post and this ridiculous recap on comments Richard Flood made about blogs and Jerry Saltz's facebook page on Hyperallergic.

Now I'm going to listen to "Obama's Theologian:" David Brooks and E.J. Dionne on Reinhold Niebuhr and the American Present. "Nothing we do, however virtuous, can be accomplished alone; therefore we are saved by love." - Niebuhr

so

Saturday night in the studio had me listening to James Kalm's video recordings of "rants" from #class at Winkleman Gallery and then several Art21 episodes. Complaints about the art world became null while I listened to Doris Salcedo talk about her art speaking for those who can not speak, Carrie Mae Weems describe her photographic historical re-enactments and their impact on her students, Richard Serra's desire to shift sensory experience, and Sally Mann's requirement that her photos be ambiguous.

Listening to these artists describe how they make their art reminded me that being an artist is about finding creative solutions to existing problems and to conundrums that we sometimes intentionally create. Create we must. So...shut up and make art, you might just solve your problems!

Come and sympathize a little

This is going to be a beauty!! A must see:

OPENING APRIL 1, THURSDAY 6–8PM at

ANDRE ZARRE GALLERY–529 west 20th Street, New York NY.
FRED GUTZEIT: "SYMPATHY FOR THE DEVIL"

This is a good time to make your summer plans.

This is a good time to make your summer plans.

Come to Camp Pocket Utopia - July 21st through July 28th - in Rouses Point, New York.

Classes include: tennis, basic knitted structures, chess, swimming, ping pong, dance, and drawing with stick and spit.

Additional activities: pancake breakfast, film screenings, field trips, a library and free time.

Camp Pocket U will offer a variety of lodging options, including cabins, camping, dormitory-style living, and even more. Our meal plan will provide you with all the nourishment you need.

For more information contact Austin Thomas directly, space is limited - ats@toast.net or call 917-400-3869

Saturday, April 17th @ 7:30pm information session and cocktail party at Storefront in Bushwick - 16 Wilson Street - L train to Morgan Avenue (Morgan turns into Wilson after Flushing Avenue. From the train walk four blocks on Morgan to Flushing Avenue. Cross Flushing Avenue to Wilson Avenue. Gallery located between Noll and George Streets.

Camp Pocket U. is based on a learning model started at Black Mountain College and is a collaboration with Norte Maar.

Back in the studio

Back in the studio. Sharon Butler pays a visit.

The opening, the day after and a studio visit

On the way to the opening of Ocketopia, my subway was filled with lovely commuters!

Seriously looking.

Not so serious...but seriously.

Friends AG and Elissa.

Me and Mich.

Omar and Elisabeth.

The Next day at Invisible Exports, something about letters removed, maybe after drinking too much the artists slurred their words!

I think this is Stephan Stoyanov Gallery...and below is Valeska Soares at 11 Rivington - no energy efficient bulbs here! What a waste!

And last but not least an evening studio visit to Cathy Nan Quinlan's Studio. Her paintings are a portrait of the intimate, with a slash of Morandi, coming full circle to reveal and reside. Very beautiful work.

Ockets of Opia

I have a designated area in my life for artists beside myself.

Alone

I have not been alone in about week, a little quiet will be nice.

Below a visit to Ellen Letcher's studio:

Ocketopia: a group exhibition

Ocketopia @ Lesley Heller Work Space March 10th - April 18th, opening March 10th 6pm to 8pm
Ocketopia: a group exhibition
@ Lesley Heller Work Space
March 10th - April 18th
opening March 10th 6pm to 8pm

Lesley Heller Workspace 54 Orchard Street New York, NY 10002. t 212 410 6120. Gallery Hours: Wednesday - Saturday 11 - 6. Sunday 12 - 6

Artists include: Deborah Brown, Elisabeth Condon, Rico Gatson, Libby Hartle, Brece Honeycutt, Jane Kent, Grace Knowlton, Molly Larkey, Jim Osman, Judith Page, Kevin Regan, Adam Simon, David Storey, and Kay Thomas


image: Deborah Brown, "Shoe Tree," 2009 Oil on canvas 48" x 60"

"Ocketopia" mixes and matches sculpture, painting and prints with a salon and a neighborhood gallery tour, featuring artists from Bushwick's experimental Pocket Utopia with a group of artists from Lesley Heller.

There will be salon discussion titled "All the Art that's Fit to Print," on Wednesday, April 7th from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., and a closing tour of the show and neighborhood on Sunday, April 18th beginning at 2:00 p.m. lead by Austin Thomas.

Lesley Heller Workspace 54 Orchard Street New York, NY 10002. t 212 410 6120.