Musings

Have no fear artists, the future is yours! Tomorrow I'll be attending a luncheon put on by Arts Orange County that will feature Dan Pink author of the recent book Whole New Mind. I've been a fan of Mr. Pink's since he wrote the book Free Agent Nation so I'm looking forward to this talk. In his new book he makes the argument that "the workplace terrain is changing yet again, and power will inevitably shift to people who possess strong right brain qualities." Looks good for...

18 March, 2008 /

Please mark your calendars and leave Saturday May 31st open. The fine folks at OCCCA have agreed to host a Symposium that I'm in process of putting together. This first symposium of it's kind will be bringing together Orange County based art critic's, academics, gallerists and collectors to discuss the "state of our scene". Some recent panel confirmations include Richard Chang art writer for the OC Register and Tyler Stallings formerly of the Laguna Art Museum and now with UCI's Sweeney Art Gallery. I expect a lively...

12 March, 2008 /

Congrats are in order for UCI alum Mario Ybarra Jr. for his inclusion in this years Whitney Biennial. Since I know everybody's thinking it, I'll let Johnny Rotten verbalize it: "Ever get the feeling you've been cheated?” - Johnny Rotten ...

11 March, 2008 /

The legend and power of the Peter Blake mafia continues to grow in the puff piece by Daniella Walsh in this month's Riviera. Peter deserves a lot of credit for what he's been able to pull off down there in Laguna but I might take issue with a couple of statements in the piece. Primarily the use of "cutting-edge" to describe the stable of artists. All very, very talented artists but cutting edge? Compared to? And the statement that Peter is bringing artists down from...

10 March, 2008 /

I'm in Vegas currently staying at the Wynn. He sure likes his art. He has some nice copies all over the place. We are in the Warhol room. Speaking of Vegas, don't miss the opening at the Laguna Art Museum this weekend. Should be a good one. Here's a couple pics:   ...

06 March, 2008 /

Dear Editor- Attached is a small sampling of the local population that might find regular local gallery reviews of interest. There's many more of us not included in these pics. We are sure your advertisers love this demographic. Your attention would be most appreciated. ...

25 February, 2008 /

How are you inspired? What do you do outside of the visual art world to seek inspiration? I've always found that when things seem to be getting a little closed in and my muse is nowhere to be found the best cure is to step outside of my comfort zone a bit and seek inspiration from other creative endeavors. To take some action that gives me a break from whatever I'm working on and also allows me to see other creative people operating at...

11 February, 2008 /

Has OC become the art fraud capitol of the US? We've got stolen Picasso's and forged Damien Hirst's on eBay. Oh, and let's not forget the Bowers. Obviously this is another side effect of the HOT market that nobody's talking about. Where there's money...

07 February, 2008 /

Marshall Astor has been posting a series of photos he's found on the Flicker group photosnormandie, here, here and here. They're powerful. Here's a photo of Michele and I in Normandy visiting my great uncle's grave. He was killed on day two of D-Day. It was a moving day touring Omaha Beach and then finding his grave among the many. Vote. ...

04 February, 2008 /

One of the strongest supporters of our local scene (and one of the nicest guys you'll meet) Mike McGee needs your help. Please spread the word. From his wife Andrea Harris: If you know anyone who is and O blood type or A type 2 ( only 20% of A's are type 2) who would be interested in helping Mike please get in touch. We need to find a living donor for him in the next few months. He starts dialysis at Saint Josephs Hospital in...

01 February, 2008 /

They need to do one of these for the comments section of a few art blogs I know: via art to go ...

30 January, 2008 /

Well it's time to unveil the new project. Mrs. OC Art Blog and I have formed a private foundation to help support artists & arts organizations based in Orange County or Long Beach. The Hoff Foundation will distribute $3,000 a quarter in the form of grants. All the information about how to apply and various details can be found on the website. The first award date will be April 1st and we will be granting $6k (we missed the Jan 1st award date). Anyway,...

24 January, 2008 /

Wow. The Feds raid The Bowers and LACMA. A law enforcement source who had been briefed on the matter but spoke on condition of anonymity because of the ongoing investigation said authorities are looking for looted artifacts from Southeast Asia and whether appraisals of the items were inflated for improper tax deductions. More from Marshall Astor ...

24 January, 2008 /

Quote from one of my favorite authors: The artist's dilemma and the meditator's are, in a deep sense, equivalent. Both are repeatedly willing to confront an unknown and to risk a response that they cannot predict or control. Both are disciplined in skills that allow them to remain focused on their task and to express their response in a way that will illuminate the dilemma they share with others. And both are liable to similar outcomes. The artist's work is prone to be derivative, a variation...

20 January, 2008 /

Attached is an interview that Greg Escalante and Susan Anderson gave for the recent Rick Griffin exhibit at The Laguna Art Museum. (Updated website, FYI). It's worth watching just to see Greg in a tie. Enjoy: ...

07 January, 2008 /