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)
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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
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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

The 37th Annual Small Image Show is Open!

OMG, Folks.  Just take a Preview Look!!

      "Midnight Schemer", mixed media by Linda Kardoff
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Gotta run to the studio, but I just had to give you all a quick peek at the FANTASTIC work of some of the artists in this year's 37th Annual Small Image Show at Gallery 21, located in Spanish Village Art Center at 1770 Village Place, San Diego, California.  The show just opened and is, I have to say, (so does Monique Straub, pastel artist in studio 34B) one of the best, if not "the best" I have witnessed.  WOW...and then some!  As I said, I have to run to the studio, so I will continue the commentary later.  But, just to whet your appetite, here are a few of the amazing art pieces that you will see in the exhibition.  There are so many, it is difficult to choose a favorite, but I'll give it a whirl after the reception.

                     "Two Visionaries", porcelain mixed media by Sue Bakely                                 
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                   "Media Pouch", leather by Margaret Gordon-Espe                                   
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            "Horse IV", Mixed collage by Suzanne LaJoie
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        "Blue Ring Teapot", clay by Vaughan Nelson
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               "Cat and Mouse", mixed media by Mimi Levinson
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How's that for star quality?  I visited the show, briefly, yesterday and I am clearly impressed.  You will be, too.  The opening reception is on January 28, 2012 from 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., with fantastic cuisine and musical ambiance, gratis.   But, don't worry.  I won't keep you hanging until then.

I'll be back in a jiff to fill you in on the Winners of the competition, and Who's Who among Purchase Awards recipients.   Can you say...TALENT (three times in a row...real fast)?


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

Call for 37th Annual Small Image Show in Gallery 21

Event photography by Rose Stepan Photography

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A CALL FOR ARTISTS, ALL MEDIA: 


Hello All,

It's that time again, when Gallery 21 in Spanish Village Art Center hosts the Annual Small Image Show.  This is the 37th Annual Small Image Show, and of course we are proud to present this much loved event each year.  Over the years the Small Image Show has grown and become a time-honored and much anticipated exhibition for artists and art enthusiasts alike.  The show is scheduled to run from January 25 - February 27, 2012.  Gallery 21 will be open daily from 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., where one or more of the participating artists will be there to greet guests.  In conjunction with the show, the Opening Reception will be on Saturday, January 28, 2012 from 4:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.

The mission statement for the Annual Small Image Show is to provide a unique challenge for the artist by utilizing a small image concept in the widest range of visual expression.  Art is accepted in the following categories:  Oils, Watercolors, Acrylics, Printmaking, Photography, Sculpture, Enamels, Fibers, Mixed, Ceramics, Glass, Wood, Jewelry, Digital and all Media.  All submissions must be made by the artist.

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                                  "Two Pieces of View", by Vicki Leon, glass artist


Delivery of artwork for the jury process has a deadline of Friday, January 13, 2012 (1:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m., and Saturday, January 14, 2012 (10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.), at Gallery 21, Spanish Village Art Center, 1770 Village Place, San Diego, California, 92101.

The competition is open to all artists.  All work must be original and completed within the last year.  Work done under the supervision of an instructor, or work requiring special installation or handling will not be accepted.

Preparation and (required) specifications for juried work is:  Artwork measures no more than 10" in any direction (or dimension), including frame, base and display.  (Qualifying criteria for acceptance in the competition)

With your participation and support, let's make this another fantastic year for the 37th Annual Small Image Show and competition.  I can hardly wait to meet all of you at Gallery 21, and experience the magnificence of your artistic expression.  So, hurry.  Don't hesitate...just step right up "artisanos".  The long line starts to the right!  I'll be the one with the BIG smile!

For more detailed information and entry forms for the 37th Annual Small Image show, visit:  www.gallery21art.com.

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

Flamenco Sevillanas in Spanish Village Courtyard

IMAGES ARE COPYRIGHT PROTECTED

                                            "Flamenco Dancers", by Ilya Idelchik
                                            Member of San Diego Sculptors Guild


Hello All,

Well we are all back from the Christmas holidays, and back to business as usual in Spanish Village Art Center. As I walked into the patio area of the Village on Wednesday, I was, immediately, awed by the image of these two amazing figures positioned in the middle of the courtyard. They are a two part vision of life sized flamenco dancers created by Ilya Idelchik of the San Diego Sculptors Guild (SDSG) in studio 36.

As I walked around these figures, I was utterly amazed at the perfect positioning of all elements of the composition, and the physical makeup of both dancers. I, literally, could not find a bad angle no matter where I stood. The attention to detail, and Ilya's knowledge of the "dance" is compelling and mesmerizing.

The "Flamenco Dancers" are a veritable confection of sculptural forms, decorative metal and paint, meticulously applied, that is characteristic of Ilya's work. It can be said in fact, that it is his own "signature", exclusively recognizable under any circumstance. Ilya has breathed "life" into painted resin and flowing, rippling metal in an unmistakeably "trompe l'oeil" fashion. Viewers who have never danced suddenly discover a "dancer's soul", become transformed and are caught up in the moment. So much so that they are inspired to strike the same poses as the dancers, and preserve their experience in photos. Now, I'd call that "mission accomplished", Ilya.

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Ilya Idelchik is a graduate of St. Petersberg University in Russia where he studied classic art and sculpture, focusing on public art and decorative metalwork with a special interest in abstract painting. Before moving to the United States in 1997, he participated in projects for the Art Museum and the Museum of History and Culture in Russia. His attributes include building design, museum restoration and office interior design. In the United States, Ilya's career has revolved around art design, sculpture and abstract painting for public and private clients.

The "Flamenco Dancers" is the first in a series of sculptural exhibits to be presented by the San Diego Sculptors Guild on the courtyard patio, in conjunction with Spanish Village Art Center. Sergey Gornushkin, president of SDSG, enthusiastically, shared future plans of the guild to present a new sculptural exhibit, by one of their members, every month to two months. The display will change, accordingly, several times throughout the year. This will showcase the many talented sculptors in the guild and promote public art, as well as entice and intrigue visitors to Spanish Village Art Center. It is a particular interest of SDSG to encourage and increase public awareness of art, and to promote the appreciation of it through these exhibits.

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The San Diego Sculptors Guild, studio 36, is located at 1770 Village Place, San Diego, California in Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park. For more information on members and events: http://www.sandiegosculptorsguild.com/


Written and posted by Cassandra Shepard, Studio 32
All images, text and content copyrighted, 2011, all rights reserved

7 Printmakers Return to Gallery 21

   "Summer", drypoint and roullette by IGOR KOUTSENKO, printmaker
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Hello All,

Heads up!  Those fabulous 7 Printmakers are back at Gallery 21, and the exhibit is as fantastic as last year's.  This is the group's 17th Annal Exhibition featuring Jacqueline Dotson, Kathleen McCord, Julianne Ricksecker, Sfona Pelah and Angelika Villagrana.  There are two new guest artists in the show this year.  They are Igor Koutsenko and Beth March.  The exhibition runs 11/2 - 11/14, 2011 at Gallery 21.  It is open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  As always, the talented and congenial artists are waiting to welcome visitors to the show, and share the printmaking experience with them.

I popped in yesterday, after returning from a 3 week vacation, and was so pleased to see the show.  These dedicated souls never cease to amaze me with their vision, and their capable transference of these visions to their avid admirers and collectors.  It is a "must see" show for everyone.  I will revisit the gallery on Saturday, and really peruse each piece.

"Untitled" monoprint by SFONA PELAH, printmaker




























"Books and Oil Lamp", digital print by
SFONA  PELAH, printmaker




For now here are some photos to whet your appetite.  Believe me, folks, there is much, much more at the 7 Printmakers 17th Annual Exhibition to charm and amaze you.  The diversity and magnitude of the work done by these artists is second to none.  Each piece is an exquisite masterpiece that compels one to stop and experience a feeling, moment or mood captured to perfection.  Once again, the 7 Printmakers prove their dedication to their art, and skills that are continually growing.

We (artists and collectors, alike) can all take a lesson from these "7"... and, strive to "up our game!"  A continual quest to research, learn and grow.  An ongoing expansion of oneself and one's skills, and then, expressing this in one's art is, to me, the quintessential goal of an artist. You have my word, folks, the "magnificent 7" stand and deliver this quintessence every time.

                       "Mystic Falls", monotype by JULIANNE RICKSECKER, printmaker
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"Flirtatious", intaglio by JACQUELINE DOTSON, printmaker


























"Palm Canyon Falls", etching and aquatint by JULIANNE RICKSECKER, printmaker

   "Barmaid", intaglio by KATHLEEN McCORD, printmaker
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                         "Rainy Day", intaglio by JACQUELINE DOTSON, printmaker
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I am so excited to return to the show for a second look, and to take it all in.  I can hardly wait.  See all of you enthusiasts there.  Oh, and yes, all of you who want to "Up your Game".  These amazing
7 Printmakers can teach you a thing or two!

"Balboa Park", woodcut by IGOR KOUTSENKO, printmaker

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The 7 Printmakers are independent artists living in San Diego County.  For more information, and their resumes, please refer to my blog entitled, "7 Printmakers Make Their Mark at Gallery 21", dated 10/23/10.


Written and posted by Cassandra Shepard, Studio 32
All images, text and content copyrighted, 2011, all rights reserved

Don't Tango in Berlin...or, You may never leave the City

                  "La Fille du Desert", Guy Mayenobe, Photographer
                  IMAGES ARE COPYRIGHT PROTECTED


Hello All,

As promised, I am giving you a followup blog on the fantastic photographic exhibit, "Don't Tango in Berlin" (or, you may never leave the city), presented by Janine Free and Guy Mayenobe at Gallery 21, September 21 - October 3, 2011.

You know, I have known a few amazing photographers in my life, all of exceptional talent and vision.  But, as much as I appreciate and support their work, I have to say that I have never met or seen better than Janine Free and Guy Mayenobe, strictly from an artistically visionary standpoint.  I am always astonished and completely fulfilled by their work which is like no other that I have seen.  Simply, intriguing.

Guy's usual work (Can one even call it that?) takes unlike elements of real life objects, and layers them with still life forms such as mannequins or inanimate objects.  The resulting effect is one of almost lifelike mannequins with eyes, lips and features, when superimposed onto the plastic form, fool the viewer into taking a second look to determine if what they are seeing is real..."actual".  (As in "La Fille du Desert", shown above.)  In opposition, Guy will use a live model (mannequin en francaise) and, then superimpose inanimate material into the photographic image.  Once again, compelling viewers to "lean in" closer, in an effort to figure out what is "real" and what is make believe.  Oh, that is so clever of you, Guy!


Okay,  it's time for that ''writer's break" that I always mention...stretch my legs, go for coffee.  You know.  Be right back with the "scoop" on "Don't Tango in Berlin".  That's the real scoop that your are anticipating.


Here's a little preview:  "Tiger Woods", by Guy Mayenobe

                    "Tiger Woods", by Guy Mayenobe, Photographer
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And, yet another:  "Kreuzbeg Fire Station", by Janine Free

  "Kreuzberg Fire Station", by Janine Free, Photographer    
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As long as we are on the subject:  "White Trash", by Guy Mayenobe

                    "White Trash", by Guy Mayenobe, Photographer
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Written and posted by Cassandra Shepard, Studio 32
All images, text and content copyright, 2011, all rights reserved