ARTIST of the DAY: Amy Feigley-Lee

Posted on April 2, 2017April 3, 2017 by R.L. Gibson

"Self Portrait of Artist as Feminist Artist, modeling #2" (digital photograph) by Amy Feigley-Lee — *“Self Portrait of Artist as Feminist Artist, modeling #2” (digital photograph) by* Amy Feigley-Lee

“There is a connection between
the way we conceptualize our bodies
and the cultural narrative to which
we subscribe.” —Amy Feigley-Lee

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Are we not to judge people on appearances? Or are we not to judge the aspects of appearance beyond our control? Where is the line? Genetics may predetermine my body type, but I can modify or pierce anything I choose. Genetics may determine the symmetry of my face, but aren’t we all just one YouTube video away from highlighted, strobed cosmetic bliss? I have only questions about physical identity these days. The work of today’s AAAD Artist of the Day, Amy Feigley-Lee, speaks to the projection of physical self into the world, specifically the tension between feminine norms and the reality of occupying space in this world as a woman. I love the cohesion of her work, regardless of media. This portfolio is a joy to navigate.

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Find answers & discover more questions with the work of AAAD Artist of the Day Amy Feigley-Lee!

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ARTIST of the DAY: Marissa J. Menefee

Posted on March 30, 2017March 30, 2017 by R.L. Gibson

*Exploration Metallum 001, watercolor on paper, by Marissa J. Menefee*

“When lost, it feels like we are going in circles.
When there is great accomplishment, it feels as if
we have come full circle.” — Marissa J. Menefee

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I find myself rehearsing half-hearted apologies for the decisions to step off the edge of the earth, or so it feels, in pursuit of adventure and truly living in the coming years. I am taking baby steps toward a goal, but feel an immediate, obligatory sense of guilt creep up on me after every accomplishment. Proud but guilty. Excited but apologetic. Emotional semantics.

Seeing the work of today’s AAAD Artist of the Day, Marissa J. Menefee, I thought, “this artist understands the circles in which I spin and spin and spin.” Thanks, Marissa.

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Lose (or find) yourself in the mesmerizing patterns of today’s AAAD Artist of the Day, painter Marissa J. Menefee!

ARTIST of the DAY: Mauro De Giorgi

Posted on March 27, 2017March 31, 2017 by R.L. Gibson

Ocean Code detail (Vintage obi, silver leaf, burnt rice paper, glazing colours and resin) by Mauro Di Giorgi — *“Ocean Code” detail (Vintage obi, silver leaf, burnt rice paper, glazing & resin) by Mauro De Giorgi*

“No, I don’t want to be absolument moderne.” —Mauro De Giorgi

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I struggle with modern definitions of success & ambition. My desires of and contributions to this world do not often equate a standard path in a world driven by capitalism. This isn’t a political statement about capitalism. It a personal statement of awareness of both my talents and my shortcomings. And, I’m okay with that. Today’s AAAD Artist of the Day, Mauro De Giorgi, finds his conflict with modern unwavering faith in technology. That conflict has driven him deeply into connection through process. I appreciate the lessons taught & learned. Thank you, Mauro.

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Take a journey through process with the work
of AAAD Artist of the Day, Mauro De Giorgi!

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ARTIST of the DAY: Grace Summanen

Posted on March 24, 2017March 21, 2017 by R.L. Gibson

Waves (cardboard, fabric, enamel & acrylic) by Grace Summanen — *“Waves” (cardboard, fabric, enamel & acrylic) by Grace Summanen*

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“We need to see the magic that surrounds us.” — Grace Summanen

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Some days it is easier to see the bad and harder to see the good. That doesn’t mean that the bad is more prevalent, it just means you may not be well equipped to see it that day. Today’s AAAD Artist of the Day, Grace Summanen, uses the most common of found objects and supplies to create her own magic. The result is hypnotic.

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Find the magic in the mixed media work of
AAAD Artist of the Day, Grace Summanen!

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ARTIST of the DAY: Margaret Fitzgerald

Posted on March 19, 2017March 20, 2017 by R.L. Gibson

"End of the World" (oil on canvas) by Margaret Fitzgerald — *“End of the World” (oil on canvas) by Margaret Fitzgerald*

“Painting, for me, is a journey into the unknown.”
—Margaret Fitzgerald

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I’m a planner. I like structure and process and, well, control. And this holds true for my art, my food, my life. But, here I am faced with opportunities for which I can never really be fully prepared. So, what to do? Let go, that’s what. So, I am embracing the unknown, and the work of today’s AAAD Artist of the Day, Margaret Fitzgerald, has helped me on my way.

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Embrace the journey found in the work of AAAD Artist of the Day, painter Margaret Fitzgerald!

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ARTIST of the DAY: Mel Prest

Posted on March 8, 2017March 9, 2017 by R.L. Gibson

"Off Screen" (acrylic & phosphorescent acrylic on panel) 2014 by Mel Prest — *“Off Screen” (acrylic & phosphorescent acrylic on panel, 2014) by Mel Prest*

“My work shifts and changes in response to light and proximity. I layer conflicting personal references, such as fog colors, music, fabric and thought patterns, to create a new shape-space. I want spontaneity and chance to influence the outcome and direction of each piece.” —Mel Prest

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As Winter shifts into Spring, I find my creative inspiration also seems to shift in focus and tone, both physical and metaphorical. I was intrigued to read about the work of today’s AAAD Artist of the Day Mel Prest and her awakening to the influence of the difference of the quality of light from San Francisco and Brooklyn. I’m facing a move of nearly 2300 miles; will my work change too? Does your work change depending on your geographical location?

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Let your mind wander to warmer climes with the work of
AAAD Artist of the Day, painter Mel Prest!

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ARTIST of the DAY: Gabe Brown

Posted on March 6, 2017March 6, 2017 by R.L. Gibson

"Ladder to the Sun" (oil on linen on board) by Gabe Brown — *“Ladder to the Sun” (oil on linen on board) by Gabe Brown*

“Art is like magic, an illusion created
by the force of humanity.” —Gabe Brown

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I could use a little magic. If art is magic, like today’s AAAD Artist of the Day Gabe Brown suggests, then maybe I should make a trip to a studio, gallery or museum today. Maybe you should too.

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Take in the magic of AAAD Artist of the Day, painter Gabe Brown.

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ARTIST of the DAY: Margery Amdur

Posted on March 3, 2017March 2, 2017 by R.L. Gibson

*Amass #6, cosmetic sponges coated with pastel pigment, by Margery Amdur*

“I like to live in that very fluid space between painting, sculpture, & printmaking, and the idea of an obsessively ritualized process is still very prominent in the work.” —Margery Amdur

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Some people are all about intent and just work through the process. I always have intent, but I do love process. When I saw the work of today’s AAAD Artist of the Day, Margery Amdur, I immediately thought, “show the #wip pics”. (They are some on Instagram, BTW.) Celebrate the work, the making of the work, the result of the work. Just celebrate.

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Explore the assemblage work of today’s AAAD Artist of the Day, Margery Amdur!

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ARTIST of the DAY: Tim Hallinan

Posted on February 28, 2017February 28, 2017 by R.L. Gibson

"untitled" (mixed media) by Tim Hallinan — *“untitled” (mixed media) by Tim Hallinan*

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“I’m drawn to the endless geometry, structure and sometimes lack of order of the urban environment and I think that’s where my ideas begin.” —Tim Hallinan

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Again I contemplate beginnings. I am a believer in being a professional beginner. It is never too late to begin again. When I stumbled across the statement of today’s AAAD Artist of the Day, Tim Hallinan, his “I think that’s where my ideas begin” struck a chord with me. Maybe I should examine my re-starts and points of departure for patterns. Or maybe not.

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Another reminder to be inspired by your environment comes from AAAD Artist of the Day, painter Tim Hallinan!

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ARTIST of the DAY: Brian Somerville

Posted on February 9, 2017February 8, 2017 by R.L. Gibson

"Shell-Shocked" & detail (ceramic, mixed media) by Brian Somerville — *“Shell-Shocked” & detail (ceramic, mixed media) by Brian Somerville*

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“I sculpt beasts that tell stories.“ — Brian Somerville

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French philosopher Albert Camus once said, “A man without ethics is a wild beast loosed upon this world.” But, I’ve always believed that we create the majority of beasts of this world from our anxiety and worry and imagination. The beasts of today’s AAAD Artist of the Day, Brian Somerville, guide us through fear with a little humor.

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Explore the beast within in the work of
AAAD Artist of the Day, sculptor Brian Somerville!

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Category: Artist of the Day

“There is a connection between the way we conceptualize our bodies and the cultural narrative to which we subscribe.” —Amy Feigley-Lee