Benjamin Lavender Opening Reception at SDSG

Just a Reminder, Folks!  Don't miss the opening reception and the month-long exhibit of Benjamin Lavender's "Growth", at the San Diego Sculptors Guild, Studio 36 in Spanish Village Art Center.  Opening reception kicks off on Cinco de Mayo.  Here's the scoop (Oh, and don't forget to come with your Cinco de Mayo attitude.):

SEE Y'ALL THERE, MUCHACHAS Y MUCHACHOS...OLE' !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Written and posted by Cassandra Shepard, Studio 32
All images, text and content copyrighted, 2012, all rights reserved

Who is Benjamin Lavender and why...?

                                 Reclaimed Objects sculpture by Benjamin Lavender
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Hello All,

The continuum of the title above would appropriately be captioned, "Who is Benjamin Lavender and Why are People saying Wonderful Things about Him?"  Well, frankly speaking, he hails from the artistic and musical city of Austin, Texas, and judging by his striking and unusual work, is not like anyone you have ever known.  My chest swelled with pride after finding out that Benjamin comes from my old "stomping grounds" of Texas.  Down there, we have a saying, "They grow 'em tall in Texas".

Not having had the pleasure of meeting Benjamin yet, I have to say, "I don't know how tall he actually is, but his found and reclaimed objects sculptures make him TALL in my book any day."  Just take a gander at this one entitled, "Tap Root".

                       "Tap Root", reclaimed objects sculpture by Benjamin Lavender
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Benjamin earned his Associates of Fine Art from Watkins College of Fine Arts and Design in Nashville, Tennessee, winning first place in ceramics and second place in sculpture during his exiting student show.  He then moved to San Diego, California where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in sculpture at San Diego State University in 2003.  Benjamin soon established himself in local art groups and began doing solo art exhibitions in the surrounding area.  And, no wonder with the kind of  work he produces.  It certainly isn't difficult to be impressed with Benjamin's imagination and meticulous attention to detail as he applies them within the frame of his work.  And, one must appreciate his usage of recycled and reclaimed objects from nature and industry, thereby contributing to environ continuity and preservation of the planet.

                 "Tap Root" (detail) reclaimed objects sculpture by Benjamin Lavender
                 IMAGES ARE COPYRIGHT PROTECTED


The San Diego Sculptors Guild in Studio 36, located in Spanish Village Art Center at Balboa Park is proud to present Benjamin Lavender as their featured artist for the month of May, 2012.  The opening reception for Benjamin's month-long show is charted for May 5, 2012 from 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. in celebration of Benjamin and Cinco de Mayo.  True to tradition, SDSG will host a meet and greet with Benjamin in the gallery and sculpture garden resplendent with mariachis, sangria and appetizers in the Spanish flavor of Cinco de Mayo.  The guild and Benjamin invite you all to come on down, enjoy the celebration and meet the artist.  We may expect to see one of Benjamin's monumental pieces on the patio at Spanish Village Art Center in the near future.

Benjamin's art reflects his lifelong fascination with the growth and erosion of nature.  Of himself and his work, Benjamin says, "Abstract Naturism is an appropriate way to describe my work, as well as industrially-organic.  Both define the outcome of mimicking nature through intense hours of manipulating metal, concrete, paint and found or reclaimed objects into organically formed art." 

 

                      "Lost and Found", found objects sculpture by Benjamin Lavender
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So folks, there you have it...Benjamin Lavender, "walking TALL" from Austin, Texas to San Diego, California which he now claims as home.  However, being from Texas reminds me of another of those great Texas sayings (there's millions of them, by the way...you "oldies" will remember this one.), " I'll give a Texan's share!"  I think Benjamin Lavender has definitely given "a Texan's share", and then some in his artwork.  And, I'll put money on it to boot..."People will be saying Wonderful Things about Him" for a very long time!


For more information about Benjamin Lavender peruse his website at: http://www.benjaminlavender.com. or inquire at the San Diego Sculptors Guild, studio 36, 11:00 - 4:00 p.m. daily.


Written and posted by Cassandra Shepard, Studio 32
All images, text and content copyrighted, 2012, all rights reserved

"The Warrior"...Metaphorically Speaking

                                  "The Warrior", totem sculpture by Sergey Gornushkin
                                  IMAGES ARE COPYRIGHT PROTECTED



Hello All,

It's rotation time on the Spanish Village Art Center patio, and installation of "The Warrior", a contemporary totem sculpture by Sergey Gornushkin is the topic of the day.  Sergey Gornushkin you will remember from a previous blog, "The Incredible Public Art of Sergey Gornushkin", posted 2/20/12, has mounted his contemporary totem on our patio to further his promotion of public art for the people.  Well, "power to the people" and power to Sergey!  (I know, I know.  I'm showing my generation.)  Just couldn't help myself.

Sergey's work supports that kind of whimsy in the mind, and surely makes one smile.  Just take a look at Monique Straub (Spanish Village's premier pastel artist) standing next to the sculpture.  I'd say she's got that "look of love" wouldn't you?  Maybe, "...she's holding on for a hero, totem, hero..."  You know it's all the same, metaphorically speaking.

                                Monique Straub, pastel artist admiring "The Warrior"
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Sergey is president of the San Diego Sculptors Guild in studio 36.  You can find him there several days a week, and certainly on hand for every art opening in the gallery and sculpture garden.  Of "The Warrior", Sergey says," It is a contemporary totem sculpture which depicts the themes and metaphors of various indigenous peoples."

So, Spanish Village Art Center invites you to drop in and see "The Warrior".  All metaphors aside, he is mighty to behold and very good for your spirit!  Who knows, maybe you will be inspired, after all, to "stand tall like a totem" and feel his power.  The Warrior won't mind...


Written and posted by Cassandra Shepard, Studio 32
All images, text and content copyrighted, 2012, all rights reserved

Kaleidoscope V - Accent on Watercolor

"Sharing Secrets", pastel by Glen Maxion

IMAGES ARE COPYRIGHT PROTECTED

Hello All,

Now showing at Gallery 21 in Spanish Village Art Center:  Kaleidoscope V, presented by Accent on Watercolor, an amazing group of watercolorists and one fantastic pastel artist.   Hence the image of the charming pastel, "Sharing Secrets", above by Glen Maxion.  This is an amazing group of watercolor artists, and Glen, the pastel expert, who might be thought of as cream on top of the cherries.  When I visited the exhibit yesterday, with my friend Yumi Clemenson, I was entranced by the amount of talent and variety of subject matter of the eight artists, and the works that comprise this show.

Kaleidoscope V runs March 14 - 26, 2012 from 11:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily at Gallery 21 in Spanish Village Art Center, located in Balboa Park at 1770 Village Place, San Diego, California.  You will, surely, be mesmerized by the wealth of subject matter and expertise of technique that the artists exhibit in their artwork.  Watercolor is a medium that demands a finite touch and a true understanding of balance...ie. "knowing when to hold 'em and when to fold 'em", so to speak...a necessary "less is more" approach.  Pastel demands no less attention and awareness of feeling and application.  They are both media that require a "slow hand and a smooth touch".  A lightness of being and a genuine sense for perfection.  The Accent on Watercolor artists embody these traits and much, much more.

The eight artists of Kaleidoscope V are:  Beverly Franklin, Kathleen Franklin, Elaine Harvey, Pauline Marks, Glen Maxion, June Maxion, Joan McKasson and Judy Morgan.

So get down to Gallery 21 folks, and see this amazing group of artists.  They'll "keep a light on for you"!

As usual, I have to run to the studio, but I promise to get back to you all soon with some more news on the Accent on Watercolor presentation of Kaleidoscope V showing at Gallery 21.  Just feast your eyes on this painting by Joan McKasson.

                             "Garden Poppy Cascade", watercolor by Joan McKasson
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...And, on this beauty.  Oh, the "colors of the wind".  In this case, the colors of Kathleen Franklin!

                                    "Casa Colores", watercolor by Kathleen Franklin
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Written and posted by Cassandra Shepard, Studio 32
All images, text and content copyrighted 2012, all rights reserved

"Joker's Wild" at Spanish Village Art Center

                          "Joker on the Ace", mosaic glass sculpture by Yuriy Akopov
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Hello All,

Well, the "Joker is Wild" at Spanish Village Art Center these days, and this is magnificently exemplified by Yuriy Akopov's. "Joker on the Ace", an exquisitely rendered reflective sculpture in mirrored and dichroic glass.  Smack dab in the middle of our courtyard patio, the "Joker" stands in all of his glory, splendor and power, almost preening, musculature taught, with his own resplendent presence.  Sparkling and brilliant, ...("Under the spreading Jacaranda tree...the Village Joker stands...") his stance commanding the attention of all passersby, "Joker on the Ace", whose confident smiling mien and uplifted chin pontificates, "Ah, I am the Joker, and I know something that you all would like to know...and it amuses me, immensely"!  Isn't that just like a Joker?

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Yuriy Akopov has captured this sentiment exactly, in his way, as the "mosaic master" of glass sculpture.  Another member of the San Diego Sculptors Guild (studio 36 in Spanish Village Art Center) that we are proud to have among us.  Upon my many sojourns to the Sculptors Guild, I have noticed Yuriy's work, and am always mesmerized by the meticulous application and the skill it must require to complete an artwork of this caliber...let alone the patience it demands.  Besides the obvious skill level that Yuriy has achieved, it cannot be ignored that, there lies whimsy and suggested comedy, just below the surface of his work.  Viewing Yuriy Akopov's glittering sculptures, one rarely holds back that "quick intake of breath" that gives witness to the effect his mosaic work has on the spectator.  How appropriate, then, for Yuriy's, "Joker".

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As you can tell, I am immensely dazzled by this Joker.  He is quite impressive anyway you look at him.  Oops...just look at the time!  Have to get to the studio, but I will be back faster than the "Joker can throw down an Ace".  I will continue on the fantastic sculpted mosaics of Yuriy Akopov, "glass mosaic master", tonight...after the Open House at the San Diego Sculptors Guild.  Yuriy's work, along with numerous others', will be featured at the big bash tonight, accompanied by live music, delectable cuisine and, even, a shaman to bless the grounds of the sculpture garden.  Imagine that!  Hey, didn't I just see the "Joker's" smile widen just a smidgen more?  Indeed...methinks he can't wait to "throw down", once again with the "Joker's Wild"!!!  What say you, Yuriy?  And, you, Joker?

                           "Joker on the Ace", mosaic glass sculpture by Yuriy Akopov
                                           IMAGES ARE COPYRIGHT PROTECTED


March 7, 2012

Hello All,

That took a little longer than I anticipated.  The opening at the S.D. Sculptors Guild was great, as I knew it would be.  Many guests milling about in the sculpture garden and the gallery, a string and flute quartet serenading with lovely chamber music and a fantastic cuisine presentation made for a memorable evening.  Unfortunately, I did not meet Yuriy, as he and the other members were kept occupied by the visitors the entire evening.  But, as promised, here, by way of introduction, is Yuriy's bio and resume.

Yuriy Akopov was born in Baku, Russia, and began his career as a glass maker when he migrated to San Diego, California at the ripe old age of 21!  Prior experience and tutelage began with working for artist, Niki de Saint Phalle.  Yuriy worked for Art Mosaic for ten years, where he learned countless skills which he later applied to his own creations as an artist.  He has refined and made these techniques his own, as is evident in his sculptures.  In 2006, Yuriy began producing remarkable art pieces bringing his own visions to life.  "His drive and belief is that many of personal items and interests in our everyday surroundings can be transformed into dynamic creations."

Yuriy's newest project is to create a series of mysterious Jokers.  "Joker on the Ace" is the first in the series, as Yuriy says, "...to mesmerize audiences".  Other Jokers in progress are expected to bring increased and positive interest from the public.  I am not sure if Yuriy's "Lady Luck" is one in this series, (although, I think it is safe to assume she is), but she is absolutely amazing.  She can be viewed in the sculpture garden of the Sculptors Guild daily.

Provocatively, leaning back, upon a base of silver and black mirrored mosaic glass in the shape of the letter "Q", the four symbols of poker as her golden crown (which strangely resemble braided knots in her contemporary modern hair), mirrored tile body glistening in contrast with gold, red and black poker symbol ornamentations, ruby-like gems embedded in her garb and an amazonic gold belt boasting a heart, "Lady Luck" smiles, invitingly, at the gambler as if to say, "Oh come on. You can do it.  How can you lose?  See...I've got your back."  "With Lady Luck at your side...the world is your oyster, no?"  Luck, be a Lady, tonight!!!

Bravo, Yuriy, Bravissimo!

                               "Lady Luck", mosaic glass sculpture by Yuriy Akopov
                                           IMAGES ARE COPYRIGHT PROTECTED



Yuriy Akopov is a member of the San Diego Sculptors Guild in studio 36, located in Spanish Village Art Center.  For more information about him, please visit the gallery which is open 7 days a week, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.



Written and posted by Cassandra Shepard, Studio 32
All images, text and content copyrighted, 2012, all rights reserved

The Incredible Public Art of Sergey Gornushkin

Sergey Gornushkin installing his sculpture, "Hello, is this the Pacific?", on the Embarcadero
              (Public art sculpture built for the Port of San Diego Urban Trees 7 Collection)
                                           IMAGES ARE COPYRIGHT PROTECTED


Hello All,

It's rather early on Monday morning...2:27 a.m. to be exact, and I am up trying to get this blog out on the incredible art...public art, that is, of Sergey Gornushkin.  Sergey's work is literally, in a word, "monumental"... bold, bright and completely captivating (I guess that's a few more than one word, but Sergey's work commands it).  Although, he has been creating for quite some time, in the United States and his home of St. Petersburg, Russia, we at Spanish Village Art Center are more than proud to claim him as one of our own.  Sergey is the current President of the San Diego Sculptors Guild, and a very welcome addition, indeed.  Young, gifted and Russian, Sergey brings to the public a wealth of background in the arts, co-mingled with the energy and dedication to his field of endeavor.  These qualities undoubtedly come across in his sculptures, and speak to the emotions of the spectator.

                        "Hello, is this the Pacific?", sculpture by Sergey Gornushkin
                                     (Port of San Diego Urban Trees 7 Collection)
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And, if that is not impressive enough, Sergey has several sculptures installed at scholastic institutions such as Roosevelt Middle School, Thomas Jefferson Elementary School and Walter J. Porter Elementary School in San Diego, as well as a public art work installed in downtown Vista, California.

                              "The Key to Success", sculpture by Sergey Gornushkin
                      (installation at Roosevelt Middle School, San Diego, California)
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Recently written up in City Beat on January 11, 2012, as "A Sculptor for San Diego Schools" (article by Kinsee Morlan), I would say that Sergey Gornushkin has "hit his stride".  The subtext to this article says, "Sergey Gornushkin works hard at getting his large scale sculptures out in public."  I'll go Kinsee one better, and say, "Sergey Gornushkin works hard!"  A real "labor of love" that pays off in spades for the public.  If you haven't read this wonderful article on Sergey, look it up.  You won't be disappointed.

                                    "Bookworm", sculpture by Sergey Gornushkin
             (installation at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School, San Diego, California)
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Oh boy, it is now 4:15 a.m., and I need some "shuteye", badly.  Just couldn't sleep a wink until I got all of this out about Sergey.  How's that for stimulation, folks?  Sergey Gornushkin's sculptures will do that for you...back later to top off the story of our amazing sculptor and promoter of public art.


February 22, 2012

Back with the scoop on Sergey Gornushkin...President and valued member of the San Diego Sculptors Guild, studio 36 located in Spanish Village Art Center.  For those who are less familiar with Sergey, he is a native of St. Petersburg, Russia and attended the St. Petersburg Academy of Arts.  He earned his BFA at the University of Florida in Graphic Design, with a minor in Sculpture.  Following his education, Sergey worked for General Motors on the design team for modeling and design.  While there he acquired invaluable knowledge about metric conversions, large scale fabrication, project management and the value of team work.  In addition, Sergey taught art and design at the Los Angeles Technical Institute (LAORT) in Los Angeles, California.

While teaching, he exhibited and created art work in the progressive art movement in Los Angeles.  Upon completion of his teaching contract, Sergey moved to San Diego, California, where he became President of the San Diego Sculptors Guild, and the rest is, as they say, "history".  Yes, "his story"... Sergey's story...a study in progress.  A journey to educate the public and to promote the public art movement.  Not bad for his years, huh, folks?  If one were to compare Sergey Gornushkin's career to...a sandwich, let's say.  Sergey Gernushkin would be a "Dagwood" by my estimation (a super "Submarina" to the younger generation).

And, yet, with all of this behind him, Sergey exudes a consumately relaxed low key presence and manner.  Unimposing, yes, but you can sense something of magnitude just below the surface, when you are near him.  His fiery red hair and warm smile alerts one to the rich humor harbored inside the artist.  To exemplify this, I will close with an excerpt from Kinsee Morlan's article:

[Of Sergey, Kinslee writes], "...he's found that schools seem to be more resourceful when it comes to finding donors or other creative ways to fund public art.  As we neared the school's somewhat drab buildings, he described why, despite the permitting and other hurdles that come with working in the public rather than private realm, he's come to enjoy adding his bright colorful pieces to mostly monochromatic school environments.

"The architecture is like the oatmeal", he said in his slight Russian accent, "and the art is the raisins; you know, it just makes it a little sweeter."

So true...So Sergey Gornushkin.

                               "Higher Standards", sculpture by Sergey Gornushkin
                                      (installation in downtown Vista, California)
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Written and posted by Cassandra Shepard, Studio 32
All images, text and content copyrighted, 2012, all rights reserved

37th Annual Small Image Show Winners!!!

                                
                      Sue Bakely, "Two Visionaries", mixed media/porcelain
                      PHOTOGRAPHS ARE COPYRIGHT PROTECTED



Hello, Hello All,

Well here they are...those well deserved honorees of the 37th Annual Small Image Show.  Topping off the list is one of my favorite artists, the ever imaginative and immensely talented, Sue Bakely, 1st Place winner for her "Two Visionaries", mixed media and porcelain.  Sue is a champion of the "small but mighty" depiction of imaginative images as the first place award testifies.  "Here, here!  Sue Bakely, "front and center".  Lady take a bow!"

Hot on her heels is Linda Kardoff, Second Place winner for "Midnight Schemer", mixed media.  You will remember this image from my last blog of the "fiery redhead" with the dark look of treacherous imaginings in her mien.  I was so taken with the emotion in this miniature painting, that I stood mesmerized in front of it for several minutes.  The detail and use of creative brushstrokes in this painting is marvelous!  As they say, "Good things come in small packages."  You've got that right, Linda.  Congratulations, girl!

    
                        Linda Kardoff, "Midnight Schemer", mixed media
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Rounding out the terrific threesome is accomplished Jack Wade, Third Place winner with his "Camouflage", fused glass.  (Sorry, girls, the fellas have to represent, too!)  Jack's glass panel does indeed hold a cleverly camouflaged image of a seated lady nestled among the many flecks of color, embedded in the glass composition.  Nice touch, Jack.  This piece reminds me of cameos in my Grandmother's jewelry box.  And, Jack, that's a big "Plus" in my book.  Well done, maestro...well done!


The coveted Leslie von Kolb Memorial Award for $100 went to one of my favorite ceramists, Mary Cuzick for "Bowl", clay.  Mary creates the most delicate porcelain ceramics I have seen.  Each piece is created with love and dedication to detail, and anyone viewing them or touching them, can easily channel Mary's sense of rhythm and balance that is tantamount when creating her masterpieces.  As you can see, folks...I'm "not too" impressed with Mary Cuzick.  Mary, "Throw down, girl!"

Oops, gotta run to the studio, as usual.  I'll be back in a jiff with the scoop on the winners of the Purchase Awards and the Gift Certificates.  I know...I know.  You'll wait with bated breath!  It will be worth it , I assure you.


February 17, 2012

Okay, I am back to continue with the awards.  The five Purchase Awards went as follows:

1.  Jim Brown Memorial by Cecile Brown - $100, Elizabeth Woolrych for "Magic Within",
     sagger fired clay

2.  William Hudlow - $100, Shaun Craig for "Liquid Ice", porcelain

3.  William Hudlow - $100, Vanessa Backer for "Flower Box #1", mixed media ceramic, wood,
      plaster

4.  Marvin Miles - $100, Merle Lambeth for "Coming Up for Air", clay

5.  Y. Sachiko Kahtsu and Tom Held - $200, Sally Ault for "Green Sea Urchin Box", mixed media


The Gift Certificates were awarded to the following artists:

*  Freeform Clay - $50, Shaun Craig for "Liquid Ice", porcelain
*  Artist & Craftsman Supply - $25, Margaret Gordon-Espe for "Media Pouch", leather and
    $25, Suzanne La Joie for "Horse IV", mixed collage
*  Valley Moulding - $50, Beverly Brock for "Dune Walker", photography and
    $25, Susan Salazar for "Oriental Red", mixed media collage
    $25, Chris Stell for "Dichro Disks", fused glass
*  Spanish Village Art Center (Dick Blick gift certificate) - $50, Joan Nies for "Medieival View",
    etching

Congrats to all!  You have given us another year of fantastic art, and we thank you all for your dedication in making the 37th Annual Small Image Show the "best ever"!  As they say, "Good things come in small packages" (in this case...dimensions), and we certainly have been given such a  gift at this year's exhibition.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.  Same time, same station next year...


Written and posted by Cassandra Shepard, Studio 32
All images, text and content copyrighted, 2012, all rights reserved