March 2008

Marcel Dzama: Dark art.

I’m fascinated by Canadian artist Marcel Dzama’s work. There is a real dichotomy between the darkness and how inviting his delicate lines are. At first glance, his images are friendly almost graphic novel-esq. There are creatures, ghosts and characters interacting with humans doing things. He creates a universe where animals, spirits, and creatures co-exist. The humans have benign looks on their faces in the midst of nightmarish situations. Dzama’s ability create these narrative pieces with such a subtlety that the viewer has to go beyond the surface image and confront fear is masterful. The more I look at these pictures, the more symbolism I see. Take a peek. His work is here. He recently had a show here.

*I’ve been working like mad to get my pattern portfolio together and I’m about to launch a new section on my site. I’ll post my new patterns this week! I just learned the software I needed to make the work into actual repeats for wallpaper, textiles, and other surfaces. Can’t wait to launch.

Modern Color-field artists: Jim Lambie, Maya Hayuk, Mark Grotjahn, and more. Plus, artists who use light and color as their media: Spencer Finch, Philip Rahm, & Lisa Yuskavage.

As some of you know, I contribute to Color Lovers blog. The posts are far more content rich than on Maquette so I thought I’d share. Hope you are as in love with color as I am!

I recently did two extensive posts on artists whose use of color and light are just astonishing. I won’t say too much, I’ll just link to the full posts and include some enticing pictures above.

1. Artists who use light and color as their media
2. Modern Color Field Artists: Using the full spectrum

**Read this wonderful Maira Kalman interview from Inspiration Boards blog after you finish with the posts above.

****I’ve been working night and day on my patterns. I have to learn the software that will help me to make them into true repeats for textiles and surface designs. I can’t wait to share my progress…soon.