J.J. Cromer - Enjoy the Savings

Repetition of forms, unified in purpose...figurative, tooth like forms...visually, we group similar shaped items into one unit, a device to create overall cohesion throughout the picture plane...variation is key to have both interest and unity...the large, red figurative element is the main character, largest in scale compared to the other white figures...combined with the unique red color, covering a large area...this element becomes central to the composition...the fact that this red form is off the left, it forces a need to create balance on the right side for the overall picture plane...

A third color, blue is introduced on the right hand side to create unique visual interest...in addition, the shape and scale is a new character in the story...this is key in balancing the red and larger scale on the left...the touches of red an blue throughout the rectangle binds the piece together...when you look closer, you realize that it is really the same organic form over and over...even the blue shapes come from the interior arch form, articulated in between the legs of the tooth like figure...variation and unity...beautifully simple and at the same time, decoratively complex...

St. Bozo Assemblage

This symmetrical composition is in the context of traditional, religious works...where there is a strong, dominant figurative element in the middle...there is something interesting visual and conceptual here in this artistic act of re-constitution...taking the familiar and putting it back together in an unusual, sophisticated way...it can take the ordinary and transform it into something deeper and unique...running parallel to the idea of the alchemist, the magician who transforms everyday metals into gold, making the resulting product precious...

St. Bozo by Nick Bubush, pinches us into the center through concentrated color, the neutrals reside on the outside, like two slices of bread surrounding a luscious, religious "peace" of meat...as a viewer I want to reach out and play with all the parts, turning and twisting them to experience something spiritual...an active participant on a religious journey...a comical and tongue-in-cheek experience, but who says humor cannot be spiritual???

A Box of Rocks

In the image of Duane Hanson with a dirty, dark, damaged secret; this work by Joseph Seigenthaler speaks to a clothing optional family dynamic...beauty is not the fare of the day...at least not in a conventional way...there is something appealing and attractive about the context of these works: sculptural realism...suffering in the faces and bodies...with the male figure carefully balancing a box of rocks on his third-eye...perfectly placed...kinetically, this element is always, already in the process of potentially falling...

Seigenthaler is an expert at textured skin, pitted and aged...it reminds me conceptually of the early works of Chuck Close, realism to the point of nausea...sometimes it is important to not show the warts and all! The dynamic is unclear...there are some clues...height wise, the female form is in the position of power, reluctant authority, staring down and away...the male figure is disengaged...lost in his own head and out through a precarious wooden square...and finally the child form is crying and aching for attention...in need and lost...he is the only character not seemingly disconnected...he is begging to engage...

Have a Nummy Drink

You have to love a furry cup! The idea of everyday objects transformed into something subtly new undermines how we see the everyday...it pulls the functional items out of the "real" world and moves it into a conceptual place and forces the viewer to face the idea of this "object." I love the idea of drinking something out the cup...the feeling of the liquid flowing out through the fur and the smell as you bring it up to the lips...was this found fur? Or fur from an old coat, the smell of death and mothballs...what a great image! It is dark and at the same time profound in its application...

An extension of the ready made and diving deep into pop art this piece is so simple, yet so far reaching in its conceptual possibilities...the more you can read into the works and add to the piece, the more opportunities for the infusion of humor, passion and concepts...I believe that is why it stood the test of time...the way this piece by Oppenheim remains open and ready for interpretation...

Push and pull

Flowing, organic forms excellently balanced...the push and pull of the darkest element in the front blanketing the picture plane and pushed out beyond the borders...the cross form is held in place by it's position but, visually moving back into space because of its value...the horizon and sunset are pulling forward due to the warm color scheme...the overall composition is organic with flowing hills in perspective...

The sophisticated way Georgia O'Keefe adds hints of color, at the top of the mountain, across the top of the picture plane, circles within the cross form...is beyond seeing, showing off her expertise in using visual language...it sets a unique mood and embodies the view of the west...her work feels like it is a part of New Mexico, the culture, the light and the style...

An infusion of poetry, music and reality

A smart combination of ideas and materials creating a mixed media wonderland...Terry Allen's use of diverse elements push the viewer to figure out the puzzle...what is the relationship between the loosly related objects, painting, text and light?

Representational imagery in his paintings are often combined with small lead text panels punched into the surface. These words are poetic and flow through the works...strong verticals and horizontals are cut through by objects, breaking each plane, but remaining balanced...the dark painting in the upper left, along with the two light gray small text panels counter-balance the light and objects on the platform. Visually, you are pushed to the right then swung back to the left by these forms...we group items by similarity in size, color and image shape...this piece does an excellent job of playing with these formal concerns...

Neon parts is parts

Ed Paschke's style and neon heat are so unique...a man who love to paint and was incessant about his exploration of those things quintessentially urban...this piece is especially interesting because of its layering of patterns but yet it is divided and framed with the use of value variation...Value becomes the vehicle that separates and defines, but references adjacent areas through similar shapes and color...the central figure is missing parts or has parts replaced by new, similar anatomy...like a Mr. Potato Head straight out of central Tokyo...it is alive and bright...up all night and looking for action...

He is notorious for using very strong complimentary color schemes, we always tell students never to do this...but Ed Paschke uses color to enhance his concept of vibration and intensity...for every rule, there is an artist who has successfully broken it! This is because the work goes beyond any rules...art work is living an breathing, a contained unit of beauty...This particular piece is iconographic in nature...centered and filling up the picture plane...the symmetrical composition is necessary to balance the intensity and overwhelming color...a brilliant example of defying the artistic conventions...