One of my secret passions (probably not so secret to Mondo and friends) is my passion for art. I'm far from any kind of expert, I just grew up with a mom with an art degree who revisited water coloring infrequently but found art in everyday life and encouraged me and my bros to express ourselves through art. All I wanted to be when I grew up was an artist - a painter to be specific. Alas, I did not get that gene from the great family pool.
So, I'm an admirer and a consumer instead. And, dude, I'm a girl who likes what she likes. Maybe some of the stuff nailed to my walls isn't noteworthy, but in the Mondo household, we buy what moves us. As long as it keeps me interested in some way - even if it is disturbing - I'm on board. 'Cause I want stuff that not only moves me in some form or fashion but makes me think - challenges me as well as inspires me. And, admittedly, a little irony goes a long way too.
So this is why I'm working on these local artist features. I also really like the modern art scene here. Sorry folks, I'm not too keen on coastal art (also not a secret to friends and family). Ok, if the artwork on display is like the paintings from a home on GHF's Homes Tour last summer - I'll buy! (It rocked - oil paintings with goat heads on seagulls).
I want you guys to check out these artists. Some of them have never publicly shown their art here on the Island. Some have hung these personal passions intermittently on local gallery walls. And others are new and/or opening or re-opening studio and gallery spaces.
Hey IBCers - give our local artists some support! Come check them out and talk to them. Guarantee it won't be a boring time, and I for one, love folks who have something interesting to contribute to the conversation.
Thanks for the great feature! This is going to be great for Galveston's artists. Is it strange that I am the first comment?
No way. Not weird at all! I wish I could figure out how to allow people to zoom in on the photos to see the detail and textures of your work. I'll talk to WillThing on that. . .
Thank you for the discussion about engagement of and with artistic works and for featuring local artists. There is phenomenal talent here -- and you are soo right, Ann's tantalizing work ought not be contained by the bounds of web photos! Those who put forth an expression, in any medium, are givers of great gifts. As a community, it is our responsibility to show gratitude for these gift givers -- to nurture, support, encourage, and create spaces -- physically, conceptually, intellectually, emotionally, spiritually -- for the creation and display of their work. Art, be it written, visual, or auditory, that causes me to question, prods me to wonder, to free associate, to see something in a different way -- that tantalizes -- makes me feel more alive and creates a hunger for greater engagement. Show me more! Show me more!
I would love to see more local artists featured. Nothing against "beach art" but there is something about fresh, original art full of feeling. Artists help give a community depth and it is important for all of us to show our support