Also, some of silly sketches I did around last week
Time to work on those body parts:)
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Sketchy sketchy, and first attempt at sculpture
I've been wanting to try sculpting something small since last year. I bought clay, basic tools, and watched some videos to get a feel of how to do it. Then there was something that required my attention and emotional energy. I was so occupied and just couldn't manage to start sculpting. I finally started doing it last week. This isn't an attempt to change medium, but more of something to expand my artistic horizon. It's challenging but in a good way. I'm currently starting to create something that hopefully will be ball jointed. I just made the basic structure and I'm working on refining each part. I will eventually paint them when they look right to me:)
This one is the first head. She looks like a mummy:)
I made another head the next day. The base is actually a mirror, a gift from a friend of mine living in Japan
Body parts -_-
Also, some of silly sketches I did around last week
Time to work on those body parts:)
Also, some of silly sketches I did around last week
Time to work on those body parts:)
Monday, March 28, 2011
Last Rites Gallery Group Show "Song of the Sirens"
I managed to get out from my studio for art excursion time and a bit of other fun things last Saturday. Something to keep my spirit extra fresh and happy:) Last Rites Gallery had an opening for a group show entitled "Song of the Sirens" with so many talented artists such as Lilly Piri, Allison Sommers, Yoko D'Holbachie, Dan-ah Kim, Angie Mason, and more. The gallery describes itself as a home for artists that prefer to explore the darker side of their imagination. If you ever get a chance to visit it, you can totally sense that as soon as you step into the gallery. In fact, you can sense it right when you step into the elevator :)
The theme of some pieces in the show was dark, but it was more diverse. For example, Lilly Piri's beautiful drawing "Flight of the Last Bumblebees" is a reminder of the plight of bees around the world. Although researchers have suspected Nosema fungus and Invertebrate Irisdecent Virus as the cause of Colony Collapse Disorder, and may solve the sudden collapse, it's still good to be aware of that sad circumstance. Allison Sommers' detailed painting "The Grave" also explores the darker side with the storytelling inspired by Dante, Inferno, Canto XIII. The exploration of the darker theme may not be apparent if you just take a quick glance at it. You have to pause and really take the time to see each element in the painting.
I got a chance to chat with Allison again. It's always a blast talking to her:)
Angie Mason was also in attendance, and she was really cool and sweet to talk, too. I saw several of her paintings last year at Last Rites, and I was happy to finally have met the artist. DH and I also had a great time talking to some nice people in the gallery like Paola, Randy, and also Steve, the gallery's photographer.
I recommended you to visit the Gallery when you're in the area.
Last Rites Gallery
Hours: Tues-Fri 2-9pm, Sat 2-9pm, Sun 2-6pm
Phone: 212.529.0666
Location: 511 W. 33rd Street, between 10th & 11th Avenues, 3rd floor, New York, NY 10001
Some photos from the opening. You can see all of the exhibited pieces on Last Rites' website here
(all photos by David F. Luecke, © Alamanda Art. Original works © their respective creators. All rights reserved.)
Weather-wise, it was a beautiful sunny day in New York, but the wild breeze made it colder :) DH took me for late lunch at Olieng Thailand Restaurant, around 10 blocks from the Gallery. We had satay for appetizer and basil seafood fried rice for entree...ooh so yummy yummy yum. I ordered young coconut juice...so refreshing. The flavor was similar to Indonesian food, and anything that brought me back home even for a bit, just made me happy ^_^
Alrighty, now it's time for Heidi to hide inside her studio and make some art:) I will post of stuff I've been doing in the studio pretty soon.
Some photos on our walk around Chelsea
The theme of some pieces in the show was dark, but it was more diverse. For example, Lilly Piri's beautiful drawing "Flight of the Last Bumblebees" is a reminder of the plight of bees around the world. Although researchers have suspected Nosema fungus and Invertebrate Irisdecent Virus as the cause of Colony Collapse Disorder, and may solve the sudden collapse, it's still good to be aware of that sad circumstance. Allison Sommers' detailed painting "The Grave" also explores the darker side with the storytelling inspired by Dante, Inferno, Canto XIII. The exploration of the darker theme may not be apparent if you just take a quick glance at it. You have to pause and really take the time to see each element in the painting.
I got a chance to chat with Allison again. It's always a blast talking to her:)
Angie Mason was also in attendance, and she was really cool and sweet to talk, too. I saw several of her paintings last year at Last Rites, and I was happy to finally have met the artist. DH and I also had a great time talking to some nice people in the gallery like Paola, Randy, and also Steve, the gallery's photographer.
I recommended you to visit the Gallery when you're in the area.
Last Rites Gallery
Hours: Tues-Fri 2-9pm, Sat 2-9pm, Sun 2-6pm
Phone: 212.529.0666
Location: 511 W. 33rd Street, between 10th & 11th Avenues, 3rd floor, New York, NY 10001
Some photos from the opening. You can see all of the exhibited pieces on Last Rites' website here
(all photos by David F. Luecke, © Alamanda Art. Original works © their respective creators. All rights reserved.)
Amy Crehore
Vulnerable Seascape
oil on linen
Dan-ah Kim
Reigning in the Night
mixed media
Catherine Brooks and Tamara Cervenka aka Isobel Milena
Deus Es Cargot Machina
(each cover of the small book was painted with different subject matter. You can actually spin the key to reveal it)
Detail
Paola (from the gallery) also liked this one:)
Lilly Piri
Flight of the Last Bumblebees
Yoko D'Holbachie
Godless
Tara McPherson
Cavalos Marinhos
Angie Mason
The Proletariat's Breakdown
With Angie:)
Miso
Prelude to Hylonome
Allison Sommers
The Grove
Details
With Allison Sommers. I really need to learn how to pose in front of the camera from Allison:)
Leslie Ditto
Lush
Weather-wise, it was a beautiful sunny day in New York, but the wild breeze made it colder :) DH took me for late lunch at Olieng Thailand Restaurant, around 10 blocks from the Gallery. We had satay for appetizer and basil seafood fried rice for entree...ooh so yummy yummy yum. I ordered young coconut juice...so refreshing. The flavor was similar to Indonesian food, and anything that brought me back home even for a bit, just made me happy ^_^
Alrighty, now it's time for Heidi to hide inside her studio and make some art:) I will post of stuff I've been doing in the studio pretty soon.
Some photos on our walk around Chelsea
Friday, March 18, 2011
"Painting My Own World" WIP
I'm currently working on a new painting. The other painting is staring at me from the corner of the studio, wanting me to finish it completely. However, those girls know that I need to let my imagination wander freely in my world, otherwise I may growl at them *slightly kidding*. I just put the zombie-ish layers on the painting and slowly worked on the background, while connecting with the mysterious feelings inside me:)
The studio is really chaotic with pencils, books, and magazines are everywhere, but I'm happy. Part of that happiness is a result of my realization that led to a decision that I made last week. I realized that the most important thing to make my art is my relationship with myself, with whatever silly things in my head and my emotion. There will always be distractions and obstacles along the way. Some of them will be beyond my control. I could only try to find the best solution that may give the best result at the end, but the nature is uncontrollable. Some of them are under my control, and I'm the only one who has power to fix that. Something just hasn't felt right, and I knew it would affect my art if I just ignored it. It would affect my ability to travel to my dreamy world..he he. Anyway, this week I started this painting with a liberated feeling. We'll see how this zombie girl will turn out \( ^_^)/
I don't think I've posted this one. I found a board in my art supplies box, so I just thought....let's make something:). I tried out writing using my tablet...haha quite tricky.
Other art related thing, my blogger/twitter/fb friend Tessar Lo has done something amazing to raise money to aid Japan. He had thirty limited edition gocco prints for sale, and they were sold out in a day! 100% proceeds from the sale will go to Red Cross. The print itself it really beautiful, as you can see here. I look forward to getting mine. It made me really happy to see lots of kind people around through my Facebook and Twitter, either it's just from reading positive thoughts sent to people in Japan, or seeing so many news of Art Fundraiser Exhibition, like this one organized by Caro of Sweet Streets, to help the people in Japan. That's what humanity should be all about - kindness and compassion.
The studio is really chaotic with pencils, books, and magazines are everywhere, but I'm happy. Part of that happiness is a result of my realization that led to a decision that I made last week. I realized that the most important thing to make my art is my relationship with myself, with whatever silly things in my head and my emotion. There will always be distractions and obstacles along the way. Some of them will be beyond my control. I could only try to find the best solution that may give the best result at the end, but the nature is uncontrollable. Some of them are under my control, and I'm the only one who has power to fix that. Something just hasn't felt right, and I knew it would affect my art if I just ignored it. It would affect my ability to travel to my dreamy world..he he. Anyway, this week I started this painting with a liberated feeling. We'll see how this zombie girl will turn out \( ^_^)/
I don't think I've posted this one. I found a board in my art supplies box, so I just thought....let's make something:). I tried out writing using my tablet...haha quite tricky.
Other art related thing, my blogger/twitter/fb friend Tessar Lo has done something amazing to raise money to aid Japan. He had thirty limited edition gocco prints for sale, and they were sold out in a day! 100% proceeds from the sale will go to Red Cross. The print itself it really beautiful, as you can see here. I look forward to getting mine. It made me really happy to see lots of kind people around through my Facebook and Twitter, either it's just from reading positive thoughts sent to people in Japan, or seeing so many news of Art Fundraiser Exhibition, like this one organized by Caro of Sweet Streets, to help the people in Japan. That's what humanity should be all about - kindness and compassion.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Sas and Colin Christian - "sas+colin" at Opera Gallery, New York City
We went to the city last Thursday to attend the opening reception of Colin and Sas Christian at Opera Gallery. I was really excited when I saw Sas' announcement for her upcoming show with her husband. Sas Christian is one of the artists that I have always wanted to meet in person. I admire her courage to teach herself to paint when she decided she wanted to paint for herself. It was just something that she started without no knowledge or art history or art technique. I can relate with that and it's quite motivating to learn how someone can achieve what she wants by working really hard. Besides her amazing talent and work ethics, I also respect how her beautiful body of work always reveals something unique that comes from her. I just can sense it that she paints because she loves to paint purely for herself. Colin Christian is a sculptor. He started using silicone in his sculptures in 2004 to get a flawless appearance of true cartoon realism. Although he works in a different medium than his wife, one can see how they influence each other in their work. He mentions on his website that he finds inspiration on his sculptures in old sci-fi movies, pinup girl/supermodels, anime, ambient electronic music, and H.P. Lovecraft.
Weather-wise, it wasn't the best day for us to drive to NYC, which unfortunately I didn't find out until later that night. I chose the wrong shoes and coat for a particularly miserable wet day in New York...ooops:) However, that didn't stop me to walk to the gallery. DH and I stopped by Rheon Cafe, which to my happy surprise had some yummy treats for my tummy, like chocolate almond croissant and delicious cream cheese croissant. I really wanted to adopt some of those tasty chubby croissant home, but both DH and I didn't have enough space. Oh well, it's a bummer, but we kept walking to the gallery.
You've probably saw some of the preview images from Arrested Motion. This show is entitled "sas+colin ", a title that's presented in the typeface that gives futuristic flair to it. The simple title strongly resonates the collaborative effort from this husband and wife team. Sas and Colin have worked along side each other for 10 years, but always for their own projects. In this exhibition, they worked together to create a new body of work. It's hard to miss and walk pass the gallery when you see a large scale anime-inspired sculpture on the gallery's window. Right at the moment I stepped inside the gallery, I could sense the futuristic ambiance. Each piece was signed with "sas+colin" Beautiful sculptures and luminous paintings filled the entire gallery space. The exhibition showcased resin sculptures, fiberglass sculptures; fiberglass, silicone and LED lights sculptures; fiberglass, silicone and 22 karat gold sculpture; acrylic and oil on board paintings; resin sculpture covered with 6000 handset swarovski crystals. There was one interesting piece called "Orbit Chair" that might take you to different galaxy if you were lucky. It was made from fiberglass and faux fur. I didn't know until later that night that I could actually sit on the chair...oh well *sniff*
I got a chance to meet Sas and Colin *joy joy joy*! Sas looked stunning and glamorous in her dress and gorgeous 7" platform pastel Versace shoes. Sas told me the next day that she actually fell outside her hotel on the way to the show and sprained her left ankle and bloodied her right knee. Wow, she really kept her composure that night that I really didn't notice it at all. The opening was packed, so I didn't get a chance to talk much with them. I was fortunate enough to say hello to both of them, though. I hope you're feeling better soon, Sas!
Swing by at Opera Gallery when you happen to be around Soho area. The nice people at the gallery will be happy to tell you about the work at this exhibition.
OPERA GALLERY NEW YORK
115, Spring Street
NEW YORK NY 10012 - USA
Phone: (212) 966 66 75
I was so thankful that DH managed to take a lot of nice pictures from the event that night. Without his help, I'm quite certain that I could only post one blurry photo from the event.
DH took me to a nearby sushi place after the reception, Nagomi Sushi on Prince St. Yummy sushi rolls and Otokoyama sake, then we walked to Creperie...yum!! I had the entire tiramisu crepe all for myself. DH was amazed to see me eating the whole thing. What can I say? I love tastiness:) Glad we made it to the city that night.
When we got home, I found out about the sad disaster in Japan. My heart goes out to all those affected by this unimaginable disaster. I can only try to imagine the ongoing trauma in Japan now, and how many people's lives completely changed from this sad tragedy. This tragic event reminds me of what happened in my home country, Indonesia, in 2004. My deepest sympathy:(
(all photos by David F. Luecke, © Alamanda Art. Original works © their respective creators. All rights reserved.)
Weather-wise, it wasn't the best day for us to drive to NYC, which unfortunately I didn't find out until later that night. I chose the wrong shoes and coat for a particularly miserable wet day in New York...ooops:) However, that didn't stop me to walk to the gallery. DH and I stopped by Rheon Cafe, which to my happy surprise had some yummy treats for my tummy, like chocolate almond croissant and delicious cream cheese croissant. I really wanted to adopt some of those tasty chubby croissant home, but both DH and I didn't have enough space. Oh well, it's a bummer, but we kept walking to the gallery.
You've probably saw some of the preview images from Arrested Motion. This show is entitled "sas+colin ", a title that's presented in the typeface that gives futuristic flair to it. The simple title strongly resonates the collaborative effort from this husband and wife team. Sas and Colin have worked along side each other for 10 years, but always for their own projects. In this exhibition, they worked together to create a new body of work. It's hard to miss and walk pass the gallery when you see a large scale anime-inspired sculpture on the gallery's window. Right at the moment I stepped inside the gallery, I could sense the futuristic ambiance. Each piece was signed with "sas+colin" Beautiful sculptures and luminous paintings filled the entire gallery space. The exhibition showcased resin sculptures, fiberglass sculptures; fiberglass, silicone and LED lights sculptures; fiberglass, silicone and 22 karat gold sculpture; acrylic and oil on board paintings; resin sculpture covered with 6000 handset swarovski crystals. There was one interesting piece called "Orbit Chair" that might take you to different galaxy if you were lucky. It was made from fiberglass and faux fur. I didn't know until later that night that I could actually sit on the chair...oh well *sniff*
I got a chance to meet Sas and Colin *joy joy joy*! Sas looked stunning and glamorous in her dress and gorgeous 7" platform pastel Versace shoes. Sas told me the next day that she actually fell outside her hotel on the way to the show and sprained her left ankle and bloodied her right knee. Wow, she really kept her composure that night that I really didn't notice it at all. The opening was packed, so I didn't get a chance to talk much with them. I was fortunate enough to say hello to both of them, though. I hope you're feeling better soon, Sas!
Swing by at Opera Gallery when you happen to be around Soho area. The nice people at the gallery will be happy to tell you about the work at this exhibition.
OPERA GALLERY NEW YORK
115, Spring Street
NEW YORK NY 10012 - USA
Phone: (212) 966 66 75
I was so thankful that DH managed to take a lot of nice pictures from the event that night. Without his help, I'm quite certain that I could only post one blurry photo from the event.
DH took me to a nearby sushi place after the reception, Nagomi Sushi on Prince St. Yummy sushi rolls and Otokoyama sake, then we walked to Creperie...yum!! I had the entire tiramisu crepe all for myself. DH was amazed to see me eating the whole thing. What can I say? I love tastiness:) Glad we made it to the city that night.
When we got home, I found out about the sad disaster in Japan. My heart goes out to all those affected by this unimaginable disaster. I can only try to imagine the ongoing trauma in Japan now, and how many people's lives completely changed from this sad tragedy. This tragic event reminds me of what happened in my home country, Indonesia, in 2004. My deepest sympathy:(
(all photos by David F. Luecke, © Alamanda Art. Original works © their respective creators. All rights reserved.)
View from outside Opera Gallery
With Sas and Colin Christian
Eclipsed (Fiberglass, Silicone & LED Lights)
Me near Eclipsed. You can see how large she is.
Domino
Fiberglass
Ceremony (Blue)
Resin
Ceremony (Pink)
Resin
Solar
Acryic and oil on board
Vimana
(Fiberglass, Silicone and 22 Karat Gold)
Vimana- Detail
Vimana-Detail
Me with Ceremony as my background
Eclipsed - Detail
Bambi
Fiberglass
Circuit Breaker
Acrylic and Oil on Board
HB3K (Pink)
Fiberglass and Silicone
HB3K (Yellow)
HB3K
Family Jewels
Acrylic and oil on board
Arrival
Acrylic and oil on board
Lounge
Acrylic and oil on board
Icon (orange sparkle). That's the real size!
Fiberglass
Light Speed
6000 Handset Swarovski Crystals and Resin
Icon (Pink Sparkle)
Fiberglass
Gai'a
Fiberglass
Detail
It's enormous!
Tiffany
Fiberglass
Spectre
Fiberglass
Orbit Chair
Fiberglass and Faux fur
Ron English cozying up in Orbit Chair
Colin Christian
Detail of Ceremony
Detail of Ceremony
If you visit Opera Gallery, don't forget to check out the beautiful artworks showcased downstairs.
Yoshitomo Nara
Andy Warhol
Clayton Brothers
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