Getty Center

We went to the Getty Center today. I was just there about a week ago, so it was nice to have a second look at the art. It's easy to get visual overload by seeing too much at once, so going multiple times is a nice luxury. Not the first time I've been there on New Year's Eve, and the crowds were strong, as usual.

 

Fear and Loathing in Purchasing Art

Great article in the New York Times about purchasing art. It's a shame when people want to buy art, but are afraid of getting something they feel will be ridiculed by the guests leaving their home. It takes all the joy out of the experience, and many end up buying either safe blue chip art or something that is trendy in the gallery scene, paying way too much and hating it secretly. Or worse, buying Kinkade and bragging about it. Look no further that the Broad Contemporary to see a lot of bad '80s art (not everything in there is bad). You have heard of the artists, and that is why he bought them. And, yes, the value will likely increase in time.

When you purchase art you will see the piece every day, so make sure it's something you like. Basically, it's like wine, if you like it then it's good. I don't know about hiring a consultant or decorator to find art for you, seems a bit odd unless you are using them to find something specific and you want to avoid legwork. The best thing to do is visit a lot of galleries. Both at openings and during off hours. Do you like the artwork? Is the gallerina helpful? Are they snobs? Is it painful to find prices?

I know a wealthy man who was snubbed at a Culver City gallery, and will not return. He buys art, has taste and spends a lot of money on art. So he spent his money next door instead. Also, the way galleries treat people is a reflection on the artist. I would be upset if some one I knew went to the gallery where I show and was not treated well.

I have some friends who have one of my paintings in their house. Most of their art is bought at Ikea and such featuring prints of landscapes to go with the couch. But the comments they get are always about my painting. I'm not saying it is the best painting in the world, but it is obvious that it is not a print and is not common looking. There are lots of artists making great art for affordable prices out there.

2008, Year in Review

I accomplished some things that I'm proud of this year, but in the end will be glad to see '08 go. I left a horrible architectural firm filled with back stabbing weasels. After my project ended, there were no more good projects in the office. And I was a thoroughbred among pigs, so one day I had had enough and left. I started a new job, which I loved, until the economy took a nose dive of epic proportions. Architecture is a frustrating profession with few rewards, long hours, lots of stress, primadonna personalities that are impossible beyond belief and stupid construction workers who make more than you and critique your design base on their ignorance of anything aesthetic.

As for the art world, I had my usual show at the Santa Fe Art Colony near downtown, Los Angeles, and sold the most I have sold there. I was in 2 juried shows, one of which I won 3rd place and a cash prize. I also had a solo show in September at Orlando Gallery. I have some work in the current December group show that I am quite happy with. Unfortunately  the crowds at the opening were little more than friends and family of the artists. Again, the economy being so horrible.

I am not expecting 2009 to start fast, the economic damage has been done and is extreme. It is a  scary time right now. But I am still optimistic that if we can pull through things the opportunities will be stronger and better.

San Diego

Got back from San Diego. If I could, I would move there tomorrow or sooner. Didn't bring my surfboard, because there was a sewage spill (typical after rain) and it seemed like a pain. So, of course, the waves were 1 to 2 feet overhead, great shape and with only 5 guys out.

We went to Point Loma to the lighthouse. Views were amazing. I liked this little spiral staircase.

Heading down to the tidepools. We lucked out with minus tide, so you could walk way out on the rocks.

Christmas 08

Just isn't Christmas without silly hats.

2008, The Year of the Rat

In January, 2006, Rat rose to power. A Rat Controlled City had 8 parts. Parts 1 through 3 were lost. By the end of 2008, Rat lost everything. His city collapsed on its own weight. The following pages document the only images of Rat during his short reign.

Seasons Greetings

Can't believe Hallmark won't return my calls. Happy Holidaze!