Art in progress - Current list

Art in Progress: Diptych (pictured) part of the collection of worlds expressing the delicate balance of dualities, and small 10x10 inch masonite panel mixed media paintings which are capturing a close up, symbolic view of the larger works in the collection.

Music- David Bowie's Reality Tour playlist and the classical music channels

Books: "Twyla Tharp The Creative Habit Use it For Life" and "De Kooning An American Master"

Movies: Basquiat, Return to OZ, Black Tie White Noise- David Bowie

X marks the spot- New "Center" of the art world?

As I read "De Kooning An American Master" I am taken by the description of how clearly New York City became the center for the art world. The way i am interpreting the book, it was as clear as if someone had large billboards advertising "New York- Center of the Art World" on every corner of every block.

Where is the center of the art world today? Is it still NYC? Up until somewhat recently, I believed that was true. Now i'm feeling a shift and after speaking with a few artists and other people in the arts that I respect, doing some research and reading online, it makes me wonder if there's already a new central hub of art and artists. Between being in my studio for most of the day and my nose in books, i feel as though i missed something current that's building momentum...

This brings about my next question: Is it a physical location.... or digital/virtual?

Here's a link to Edward Winkleman's blog, he looks at both the physical and digital locations of where the art world's center could be- I tend to agree with these possabilities: http://edwardwinkleman.blogspot.com/2009/07/new-new-york-or-digital-center.html

Looking forward to reading some comments from fellow artists and art-lovers on this.

Ritualistic by Nature

Speaking of rituals… the definition of a ritual from the Oxford English Dictionary; also noted in Twyla Tharp’s book: “The Creative Habit” states- “A prescribed order of performing religious or other devotional services.”

I realize that as I get older, the more these rituals appear in my daily life. They keep me devoted to the most important things in my life, some develop instinctively from need while others are set into motion because I believe it well help get me to where I want to go. One of my rituals is to simply getting out of bed by 6am to go through the process of making my French press coffee in preparation for the new day. If I decide to get too comfortable sleeping or begin in a different way, I tend to procrastinate. Therefore, 99% of the time (I’m certainly not perfect, no 100% for me) you know what I’ll be doing at 6am!

Some of my rituals are much more complex, especially when it comes to painting. I try to prepare ahead of time nowadays vs. setting up just before I paint- thanks to a great artist friend that helped me realize why I wasn’t being as productive as I’d like to be. My preparation alone can take over an hour. I must be surrounded and filled with the inspirations of my inner and outer world, I need reminders of these findings surrounding me; particular music or movie playing creating background noise for the pieces I’m working on, colors and textures need to be mixed, materials need to be laid out, something to drink nearby, paint clothes, ventilation and much too much more to list here. These rituals I have set are the key to helping me be and keep prolific. They are habits that give me comfort in knowing the outcome and I love this touch of control I have by accomplishing them daily.

One of my first rituals was developed in dance class at a very young age. I enjoyed the process of getting ready for dance class and once I arrived I began working at the ballet barre. Feeling good about knowing what exercise came next in the sequence of warm ups and stretches from flowing through various positions in preparation for center floor work where there is no barre for support and balance. Now, walking into my art studio has taken on the very same emotions/habits as walking into the dance studio.

It’s a matter of showing up.

Many of my rituals are now being strengthened by Twyla Tharp’s book, “The Creative Habit” I recommend it all around, no matter what your profession or passion is. Most of what I gave as an example today about my personal rituals and beliefs stem from her writings as the thought process is once again fresh in my mind.

What are your rituals for your day, your art?

Dualities

I can't think of a more fitting title for today's post. I warn you, this post is very much about my journey through my art and life today, a real journal type of blog that i hope helps other artists out there who are on their own path, but it is an inward focus. Please express your feelings in the comment section of how you can relate or oppose- if you like.

My art has always expressed dualities, creating a yin yang balance symbolically. Now, with one collection underway and new one beginning, i see the dualities or oppositions when comparing the work.

I usually create one series/collection of paintings at a time after much contemplation, reading, journaling and research. Once I've gathered the thoughts and imagery that strikes a cord within me, i then begin the process of clarifying and carving them out to reveal exactly what i want to express through the paintings. It always seems as if these ideas thoughts are other-worldly or spiritual coming from something much greater than just me...

The first collection, well underway is based on deep meanings, some hidden, some very clear. I am working on a title for this series as it develops. The theme is fragility with strength in an alternative worlds/universes. These worlds contain materials that serve as symbolism, paint that creates an ethereal quality to both the atmosphere as well as the inner world. Cities built from collaged vintage book pages have thin repetitive line work covering the edges working inward, suspended atop a bed of feathers, textured labyrinth, skeleton keys or eggshells. the top and bottom of this world are usually "Tied" together by string grids, holding on.

The second collection that I am also working on, having just started it due to my need to create abstractly, focusing in a simpler, less story-telling kind of way. This collection is not so much about the materials and subject- more about the color composition and evoking emotions from expressive paint strokes, scratching, exposing the depth and layers by sanding and applying washes of paint. It allows me to be more spontaneous but also simple- such as having to cut back on words so one is left choosing only the exact words to best describe themselves.
I need that to balance out the other, more symbolic and complicated collection.

Opposition keeps me comfortable and happy, the dualities are apparent in far more than just my 2 new collections of paintings, it's my nature. An experimentalist/improvisationalist at heart with the undying need for peace of mind from planning and repeating symbols or themes. This ritual gives me exactly what i need within the unknown. A delicate balance all my own.

Paging through a book on Rothko today...

"The progression of a painters work, as it travels in time from point to point, will be toward clarity: toward the elimination of all obstacles between the painter and the idea, and between the idea and the observer" - Mark Rothko

I felt the importance of this quote as i travel along my timeline of unveiling clarity in my paintings. Layer by layer, i am getting to it, i am learning more about myself, what is meaningful in my art and what is unnecessary. It seems more like a balancing act of components, symbols, color, texture and the underlying message/emotion at times, other moments are more intuitive. This is what keeps me in the studio working on the new collection that i know will be impactful to me and hopefully to all that let their eyes dance upon its surface...

what are your feelings after reading Rothko's quote? Please share your experience(s) and thoughts... or other thought provoking quotes if you like.

Richard's Art to the Avenue in Greenwich, CT Reception photos

Art Book of 2006-2008 select paintings available for preview/purchase!

Paintings 2006...

By Amber Maida

Book Preview

I hope you will all view the 15 page preview of my first Art Book! 70 pages, over 40 paintings featured, and the 8x10 Landscape size is available in softcover, hardcover with dust jacket as well as hardcover with ImageWrap.

A limited number of copies will be available for purchase at the NYC Art Expo at the Jacob Javitz Center open to the public Feb. 28th, 2009-March 2nd, 2009. please visit these websites for further information:
http://www.artexpos.com/
www.ambermaida.com/events

NY Art Expo - Solo
Artist, Amber Maida
Booth #209

Hope to see you there!

Best wishes!
Amber