During ArtPrize 2011, I wanted to do a series of videos that would feature ArtPrize, but would also have some interest once ArtPrize was over. I wanted to avoid the whole issue of who might win, and focus instead on why people would participate beyond whether or not they were trying to win the grand prize, and learn what is was that made them want to be part of this experience. Here is the first video in a series I like to call, Observing ArtPrize.
Robert (Bob) Coombs
I first heard about Bob Coombs three years ago, when faculty began to talk about a photography student who was doing very, very well. What I came to discover as I got a chance to see some of his early work, and the work he was doing at that time, was indeed somebody with a great deal of potential. And certainly, I could also get a sense of Bob as somebody who was also a very wonderful athlete. Many of the photos he was taking at the time celebrated his ability as a gymnast. Then, of course, came the point of Bob's accident; leaving him paralyzed from the neck down. And you began to think at that time, if you were going to hear about Bob again, you might just hear about a person that occasionally people talked about. It seemed such a challenge that here would be someone who could exceed all expectations as a result of such an injury.
In fact Bob has returned to Kendall, and has established himself as a remarkable presence in the college. And it's a great pleasure to share this profile of Bob Coombs, an outstanding man.
There is a group of students that many of you may notice the next time you walk past the new UICA building. On the bottom floor, something great is taking place between a small group of Kendall students (from all concentrations) and a selfless Assistant Professor - all of whom share a wonderful interest in ceramics. They are known as the Kendall Clay Collective. And they have created quite a reputation for themselves. I say this in a good way, of course. And I say this primarily because of the extensive amount of dedication and effort these students and the alumni before them have demonstrated to pursue their interest in ceramics. Since the collective's start in 2009, nearly 15 students per semester have met regularly to not only create great work, but also to strategize, delegate, vote, and brainstorm for new ways to raise funds for many special trips and workshops that they hold throughout the year. In 2010, Davis and the group attended the National Council on Education for the Ceramics Arts (NCECA) Conference in Philadelphia. The group has also attended the Michigan Mud Conference. However, the most involved, and more regular, of the clay collective's outings takes place twice a year at Ox-Bow, in Saugatuck, MI.
I have mentioned Ox-Bow in previous posts, as they offer many wonderful workshops and courses in many concentrations, many of which the students I have written about have attended. However, the clay collective's bi-annual workshops involve an intense study of ceramics, including guest speakers. Rebecca Hutchinson (UMass - Dartmouth) spoke at the collective's most recent fall workshop.
Collective members working in the studio.
It is gratifying to see this group of students working together, and working so diligently, to make these workshops possible. The collective, ran democratically, includes four elected officials. Current club president, Andrew Doty, says of the collective's initiative, "It shows that everyone involved has a genuine interest in what they're doing." Evan Shurlow, the club's president elect added, "It kind of comes down to who wants to put in the work."
And work may be an understatement. During each Ox-Bow workshop, club members take turns splitting wood, firing and managing the kiln, cleaning, and learning. Davis says of this,"I really want [students] to do it for their interest in ceramics, not as an assignment. It's a great event and folks really enjoy being out there." Davis has mentioned, however, that he does offer the experience as extra credit in his class.
Evan Shurlow - President-elect, Kendall Clay Collective
It's impressive because collective seeks to go beyond formal education to create a brand of interest and achievement, all their own. In an effort to further inspire collective members, Davis brings a handful of ceramics enthusiasts from the around community to Ox-Bow. Davis says of this, "[Students] are working with people who aren't driven by a grade at that point. They're driven by their own desire to learn more. It's a great exchange of information and where people's passions are. They get a fine education at Kendall, but they also have to know how to get past school."
Doty has been awarded two two-week scholarships this summer. One at Penland School of Crafts, and another at Ox-Bow. Jessica Shelton (Metals / Jewelry '12) also received a full two-week scholarship at Ox-Bow this summer. Many other members have been awarded scholarships, instructed classes, and have continued their involvement with ceramics between semesters. Davis will also be teaching a course on screen printing on clay this summer at Penland. In August, he will travel to Muggia, Italy, where he and a colleague designed and built a wood kiln.
“It shows that everyone involved has a genuine interest in what they’re doing.
”
Israel Davis checking kiln temperature
The Kendall Clay Collective has a website. Its homepage states that "The Kendall Clay Collective is a student group dedicated to the advancement of art education through ceramics." It really is a remarkable mission; one they certainly continue to live (and learn) up to. "We're working on an online presence," says Davis. They hope to raise more funds for future workshops by working with local retailers, as they begin prototyping a signature line of ceramics that will soon bare the stamp of the Kendall Clay Collective.
Not long since her first appearance on the Observatory, which made note of her first solo show in early December, Rebecca Green has seen a sharp increase in attention.
You and Me Against the World - by Rebecca Green
Now a recognized name in Grand Rapids, Rebecca Green’s acclaim continues to rise in West Michigan and beyond. Recently joining the online artist network Dribbble, she has quickly gained 50 avid followers. Her current work, titled Old World, New World, will debut in Saugatuck tomorrow at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts from 6 to 8 p.m. It will remain on display until April 28th.
This trip down the lakeshore comes as a significant development for Rebecca. She says of the show, “So far I’ve worked primarily in Grand Rapids, and this is my first solo debut in a different city. I’m excited for the chance to share with a new community, and have already felt very welcomed by all the staff at the SCA.”
The event is also a first for another Kendall alum. The show was brought to fruition by Miranda Krajniak, who graduated from Kendall in 2006. Now an Education Manager, Miranda has made her curatorial debut with this show. She says of this, "We've never shown a young progressive artist from Grand Rapids in a solo format, and hope in doing so to bring a younger, more adventurous perspective to an area often regarded as older."
“I’m excited for the chance to share with a new community, and have already felt very welcomed by all the staff at the SCA.”
In The Trees - by Rebecca Green
Among Rebecca’s collection of paintings and drawings are some of her largest works, to date. She has taken elements and themes from past works and placed a stronger focus on pattern. Rebecca has also taken a different approach to size and layout; she says of this, “it intensifies the world that I’ve created.”
I urge anyone who can make it to the show to do so. Rebecca is a talented and productive artist - one whom I feel always seems to intrigue a crowd. The SCA seems to agree; they say of her, “We’ll be thrilled to say we had her here 10 years down the road.” I hope that statement rings true. Additionally tied to her styling and sensibilities, the opening includes a full vegan spread prepared on site and complimentary drinks will further enhance the cohesive effort.
I hope that alumni will stay in touch with me, and let me know what they are up to. Recently, one of our alums in Chicago, who is involved with a gallery called Black Cloud Gallery, told me about it. He told me about the area of Chicago where the gallery is located. He told me about the kind of revitalization that's going on there. And, as a result, I had an opportunity to go and visit.
I found it fascinating. And it's fascinating for several reasons. For one, it is a way in which a person is following a career path that involves the arts. But secondly, it involves the way in which young artists are connecting with the community and enriching the place in which they live. Black Cloud Gallery was a real find. And I know that many alumni are involved in a variety of other interesting projects. I hope they will let me know about them.
- Oliver
Kelly Allen (photo via kellyallen.com)
Tonight is the opening of Make It All True, a show featuring a collection of paintings and mixed media works by Kendall MFA graduate, Kelly Allen. The show, held at Humboldt State University's First Street Gallery, will run until March 4th. Kelly came to Kendall in 2006 as a Scholarship of Merit recipient, and earned her MFA in Drawing in 2008. Though she is a Michigan native, Kelly now lives in San Francisco, where she has been a part of many shows along California's coast, as well as abroad.
"A Star Is A Seed" by Kelly Allen (via kellyallen.com)
One of the more recent shows, titled Dig For Fire, took place in Venice, CA. It included the works of several artists, and, though I did not attend, I found the show's theme to be particularly interesting because the entire collection of works was inspired by music from the band, The Pixies. Kelly has been featured twice in Hi-Fructose; once for her painted collages, and again for a studio visit.
Her breadth of work is very vibrant; it is full of color, and life. As Humboldt State Now puts it, Kelly's current works "portray the unity of life on earth." I always enjoy reading about Kelly and her work. I recommend this show to anyone in the Northern California area. Kelly also has a lovely website and blog, where readers can learn more about her work.
Dr. Evans with KCAD alumni at Material ConneXion
Material ConneXion was the vision of George Beylerian. It is a source for designers and artists to learn about, discover, and discuss new and innovative materials. While an exciting visit in New York City, Kendall happens to have a Material ConneXion library that stands as the largest in academia. The library is a helpful resource for students and staff. The following takes place at Material ConneXion in New York, where I enjoyed meeting with several KCAD alumni, colleagues, and friends.
Production: By George! Pictures http://www.bygeorgepictures.com/ Music: Selectronics http://selectronics.bandcamp.com/
Crop of Illustration by Greg Oberle
I would like to announce a show at Byrneboehm Gallery that features recent Kendall graduate and friend of mine, Greg Oberle, along with current Kendall student, Taylor Mazer. The show, titled Colluvium, opens (softly) tonight, with an artists' reception taking place this Friday at 6 p.m. I am familiar with Byrneboehm Gallery, and understand that many talented Kendall students and graduates have had the opportunity to show works there from time to time. However, I was curious as to how Greg collaborated with Mazer to co-curate this particular show, which features ink drawings, illustrations, and paintings. Greg said of their joint effort, "I think we were dealing with a similar psychology in what we're trying to demonstrate."
Greg explains his work as being derived from previous thoughts or memories, which may have become unclear over the years. He says of his work, "I've been thinking about the architecture of thoughts."
After receiving his degree in Illustration last summer, Greg has illustrated and designed for several clients in and around Grand Rapids. He has even submitted illustrations for the Observatory (i.e. my Observing Artprize self-portrait). I hope to include more of his work in future posts.
Illustration by Greg Oberle
Greg has expressed how working artists make a living by using their creativity, but can sometimes be stifled by the demands of the work, client, need, problem, etc. Fortunately, he has found a sense of creative freedom in the works he will be showing at Byrneboehm. He said of this freedom, "I had no limits in the terms of what I could create."
I am happy that Keven Boehm, of Byrneboehm, has invited these two artists to show their works at the gallery, starting today and showing through February 29th, with an artists' reception at the end of this week. Greg will be showing a total of nine canvases. Taylor, 12. I look forward to visiting Byrneboehm in the next month to see what these two gentleman have created for this particular show.
Illustration by Amy Bates
There is much ado about illustration this month at Kendall. Since the 9th of January, Original Art, has been showing in the Kendall Gallery. The show features works from 40 artists. Among them are Wendell Minor (Wendell spoke at the gallery earlier today), C.F. Payne, Mary GrandPré, and last year's Caldecott winner, Erin Stead. Originating from the Society of Illustrators in New York, the show has made its way to Kendall, and will be up until February 4th. Visitors are welcome to see the fine illustrations, as well as sit and read a collection of children's books that feature the very works they came to see. KCAD Director of Exhibitions, Sarah Joseph, says of the show: "I've enjoyed seeing a variety of people interact with the show, both by viewing the pieces on the wall and by spending time in our 'reading nook' poring over the books that came with the exhibition. Not only do they get to read the stories, but they have the chance to see all of the illustrations for each of the books."
Illustration by Erin Stead
It has been exciting to see such an elaborate, inclusive illustration show at Kendall, but the well-known illustrators aren't the only ones with works in our gallery; the Student Gallery also features the works of both current and past illustration students. Joseph says of the student show: "We've included works that have been published as well as projects from the Children's Book Illustration class. Professor Molly Alicki Corriveau did a great job of curating the exhibition." The student show wraps up this Saturday. I encourage everyone to visit the galleries before these shows close.
A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to visit with many KCAD alumni at a reception held at Material ConneXion in New York City. I had the privilege of catching up with several alumni, friends, and colleagues; many of whom I plan to post about in January. At the reception, however, I happened to miss a recent Kendall graduate, Diana Frurip. But I have come across her work.
Diana graduated in 2009 with a degree in Interactive Design, now a part of Digital Media. She then left Grand Rapids for New York City, where she was awarded an internship at Kargo, a mobile development company. She spent her first summer there, and then took a full-time position with Sanborn Media Factory, which Frurip describes as a “multi-faceted design shop."
While Diana continued to develop her motion graphics and web design skills, she found herself working on many mobile projects, and for a broad range of clients. She says of her mobile experience, "the company was producing their first iPhone app when I started so I was learning to design apps as the company was learning how to build them." She spent two years at Sanborn Media Factory, sharpening her mobile app design skills by working on both iPhone and iPad applications. Then she moved on. Her current position is with R/GA, where she is the main designer for the mobile group (with a focus on the Android applications).
Diana describes her design process as heavily research-oriented. She explains, "when I start designing an application, I spend a good amount of time coming up with an audit of what apps exist in the same market and what new trends and features could be implemented."
Diana has worn several hats, with titles including interaction designer and visual designer. She uses her past experience when creating wireframes, and uses her branding experience by taking brand elements and working them into the application. She says of this, "Just because a brand's colors are pink and yellow doesn't mean that a pink and yellow app is the best answer." Diana mentioned that she frequently talks with developers during her process. This is important to insure that her ideas are applicable to each application.
It's quite fascinating, the world of mobile design. Primarily because it's such a young one. Also, it takes the right kind of designers to adjust, adapt, and adhere to the ever-changing process. With that said, there are fewer resources available to such designers. This is why Diana launched her own blog, Lovely UI. She mentioned Pattern Tap as her favorite resource for web design elements, but said "I was so frustrated when I couldn't find something similar for mobile. Then I thought, 'if I was looking for a resource like this, other people must be too.'"
Lovely UI
So she started her own by tracking key elements that she likes, but also tracking patterns and trends in mobile app design. Not bad. Lovely UI consists of iPhone and iPad screenshots. She said of her blog, "Starting Lovely UI was a real confidence booster because it allowed me to be an expert in my office and in my field. It helped show me I had a valid opinion even though I am pretty young in the industry. I'm very interested in the education side of it and soon I am going to use the space to talk about trends and best practices in mobile design."
Right now, the interactive world is very male dominated industry. I was curious to get some of Diana's thought about her role within the field. She says of this, "It's easy, for women especially, to take a back seat...But it is really important to know how to voice your opinion. UI is as much about knowledge as it is about opinion." With Lovely UI up and running, Diana is as many parts innovator and expert in the industry as she is designer.
I would like to share some great news from former Kendall graduate, Dustin Farnsworth. Currently, Dustin is finishing a residency at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg, TN. What's more, Dustin has informed me that upon the completion of this residency in May, he will immediately be moving to North Carolina, as he has been selected for a three-year Penland Residency at Pendland School of Crafts. I am very excited, and very happy for Dustin. I wish him the best of luck. You may read more about him, as well as view his work on his website. Some of his work is also available for sale here.
Rebecca Green - Photo by Ryan Pavlovich
Recent Kendall graduate, Rebecca Green, will be featured in her first solo show this month. The show, titled We Live, will be housed in the Devos Center for Arts and Worship at Grand Rapids Christian High School. She explains that her show will be a "visual exploration of life's little happenings." It begins December 8th and will be up until February 10th of next year.Rebecca graduated from Kendall with a BFA in Illustration. Since school, she has created many works in illustration and painting. She had her first gallery show, a split with another local artist, on March of this year at Byrneboehm Gallery. If you visit Rebecca's website, My Blank Paper, you'll find an array of splendid paintings, most of which were featured in that Byrneboehm show.
She says of her work: "When painting, I always start on a colored board, then I lay down graphite and fill in bit by bit. All of the pieces are coated with a glaze to bring the whole painting together, and under the same 'light'."
"Fitting In" by Rebecca Green
Rebecca was involved with ArtPrize, as well as a show earlier this year at the GreenLion Gallery. This show was another split, featuring the work of both Rebecca and fellow Kendall alum, Peregrine Angthius. Throughout November, she was included in a group show titled Six by Six, at Byrneboehm Gallery.
What makes Rebecca's post-collegiate career particularly interesting is that she has been keeping as busy with commercial work as she has her personal shows. She currently has a full-time job making fine art and commercial illustration. She's an illustrator for Grand Rapids Community College, namely, its "GRCC Works" campaign. She also designs extraordinary paper dolls for each issue of CraftSanity. Rebecca also revealed that she will begin a new, larger project for CraftSanity. The project will be released this month, as well. By staying busy locally, Rebecca is influenced mostly by the many things that surround her.
"This Is Home" by Rebecca Green
She says of her influences: "I'd say I'm influenced most by my immediate everyday surroundings. Little pieces of color, tiles, animals, people. These days, I think we are overloaded by images, and thoughts about who we are or who we should be. It leaves a lot of people feeling attached to items and others outside of themselves, therefore, devaluing who they are, and how unique they are."
It is because of this that Rebecca says she does not watch television. Nor does she listen to the radio, or browse the internet. She considers herself a hermit, and believes it is because of this that her work "often seems simple and fit for everyday."
However, Rebecca maintains an online presence through a lovely blog on her website that she updates frequently. There, Rebecca sheds light on her process as much as her personality. It serves as a great way to stay up-to-date on her current work and illustrations, while viewing pieces from her body of work. Some of which is even for sale on her site. I hope to see Rebecca's first solo show this month.
Round Stools (Photo via whitcombandcompany.com)
A view of Dinderbeck Studios' 2,000 sq ft studio space.
When I came to Kendall, I had an affection for printmaking and was impressed with the facility that existed then. Unfortunately, the numbers of students who registered for printmaking were not large; and although I hate to admit it, I do watch enrollment numbers and was beginning to wonder about printmaking’s future. And given the size and weight of the presses in the third floor print lab, I was not anxious to have to try and have them moved out. My understanding is that to move them in the College had to have a crane lift them to the third floor. If you know the building, you know they could not have come up the stairs or up the elevator. As I recall, a number of years ago, Kendall conducted a search for a number of faculty to teach drawing. One of those selected, Mariel Versluis, brought great strength in drawing to the College. But then she sort of “volunteered” to teach printmaking courses as well. Of course, I was delighted; and she began teaching printmaking.
Enrollments in printmaking grew. I am at a loss to explain why a person of Mariel’s ability and achievement as a printmaker, coupled with her commitment to printmaking should result in a growth in printmaking enrollments. But then I do not try to explain mysteries—I just accept them. The long and short of it is that printmaking has become remarkably viable and some current and former students have done extraordinary things.
One that quickly comes to mind is a collective known as Dinderbeck Studios. I'd first like to point out that the partners at Dinderbeck, which I believe the list has increased to eight partners, are all affiliated with Kendall - either as graduates or current students. Most of whom studied printmaking while at Kendall, taking courses taught by Mariel.
Alison Horn, of Dinderbeck Studios.
Initially conceived as a printmaking collective and studio, the group has received small grants and donations allowing them to fund a larger space, which they have begun to renovate for shows, workshops, and gatherings.
The group has displayed a great work ethic, along with an ability to manage projects, tasks, and duties while each maintains a 9 - 5 day job. Each member is quite driven in his or her craft, planning to contribute to the group as much as possible. Co-founder, Brandon Alman, says of the group’s process, "I wouldn't say it's delegated. When things need to get done, we pull together and get it done." I think they possess a certain chemistry that proves them a true collective. Whether they're hosting a show for local artists, or tuning up a print press from the 1950's, they have been keeping busy.
A collection of type: Finding type for antique printing presses can be an arduous task.
Community is an important part of Dinderbeck Studios. I favor their gumption to reach out to other groups and clubs seeking funding, and offering their space and talent. Alman says of this, "A lot of kids graduate from any school in printmaking and they just can't do it. It's hard to access the equipment." He also mentioned that a more distant goal is to allow the community to benefit from the use of their studio space and actual printing equipment. In the meantime, they will continue to host shows, curating their space for others to enjoy.
Last Saturday, on the 1st of the month, Dinderbeck Studios hosted a collective show titled “Fortified,” featuring forts from more than thirty artists. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend. However, based on this Flickr set I found, it seems the show was a splendid one. I would like to continue a series on printmaking by following the work of Mariel, the printmaking department at Kendall, and the Dinderbeck group.
From just east of Grand Rapids to the East Coast, recent KCAD alumni, Katie Zychowski, will be honored for her work and featured in two shows: one local, at the state capital in Lansing; the other in New Jersey at Monmouth University.
A recent graduate of KCAD’s photography program, Katie Zychowski has much to look forward to this fall. Her work has been chosen to be part of an upcoming exhibit at the state capital. Members of the Legislative Art Caucus have selected Katie to be part of the Student Art in Legislature (Arts in the House) Initiative after a nomination, which came from professor and head of Photography, Darlene Kaczmarczyk.
"We Settled on Wanting" - Katie Zychowski
"I Followed When We Separated," a photograph taken from Katie's Photography Thesis, was selected and will be displayed in the Anderson House Office Building. This month, a formal reception will recognize her work as part of the initiative. I expect this to be an exciting and interesting show in Lansing.
And, until October 14, Katie is being recognized on the East Coast. Her work is currently showing at Monmouth University's Ice House Gallery, in New Jersey. She was asked by Anne Leighton Massoni, after her senior thesis show. Katie is showing photographic pieces from her senior thesis entitled Langour, Temperance, Repose. I look forward to hearing more of Katie, and her work, as she continues to pursue her career in photography.
What if I don’t see my venue on the itinerary? Send an email to hello@oliverhevans.com and let me know. You will be immediately added. My hope is that some artists will meet me at their work so we can talk about their work and about ArtPrize itself.
Follow my tour via Facebook or Twitter.
Wednesday
152 - The Lyon Den - 200 Ionia NW
50 - Fed Sq Bldg "The SPOT" - 29 Pearl NW
158 - Waters Bldg - 161 Ottawa NW Suite 104
51 - Fifth Third/ WN&J - 111 Lyon NW
105 - Mojo's - 180 Monroe NW
12 - Amway Grand Hotel - 187 Monroe NW
90 - JW Marriott - 235 Louis NW
164 - Z's Bar - 168 Louis Campau NW
98 - Louis Campau Promenade - 125 Monroe NW
3 - GRAM - 101 Monroe Center
112 - Open Concept Gallery - 50 Louis NW
102 - Mercantile Bank - 48 West Fulton
14 - Arts Council of GGR - 38 West Fulton
131 - San Chez - 38 West Fulton
43 - Dept of Corrections - 1 Division NW
72 - GR Police Dept - 1 Monroe Center NW
159 - West Coast Coffee - 55 Monroe Center NW
97 - Louis Benton Steak House - 77 Monroe Center NW
128 - Royal Securities - 89 Ionia NW
37 - Cornerstone Bldg - 89 Ionia NW
46 - Diversions Nightclub - 10 Fountain NW
56 - Fountain Street Church - 24 Fountain NE
65 - GRCC -Collins Art Gallery - 143 Bostwick NE
137 - Saint Mark's Episcopal Church - 134 North Division
Thursday Morning
67 - GR Children's Museum - 11 Sheldon NE
161 - WMCAT - 98 East Fulton
52 - First (Park) Congreg Church - 10 East Park Place NE
6 - St Cecilia Music Ctr - 24 Ransom NE
53 - First UM Church - 227 East Fulton
8 - Women's City Club - 254 East Fulton
75 - GreenLion Gallery - 150 East Fulton
160 - Westminster Pres - 47 Jefferson SE
1 - Diocese of GR - 360 South Division Ave
20 - Bethlehem Luth Church - 250 Commerce SW
27 - Calvin Coll Gallery - 106 South Division, Suite 1
34 - CODA - 44 South Division Ave
127 - Rockwell's Kitchen - 45 South Division Ave
123 - Pyramid Scheme - 68 Commerce SW
140 - Stella's Lounge - 53 Commerce SW
76 - Grid 70 - 70 Ionia SW
101 - McFadden's - 58 Ionia SW
9 - 25 Kitchen and Bar - 25 Ottawa SW
147 - The BOB - 20 Monroe NW
119 - Plaza Towers -- Eenhorn - 201 West Fulton
47 - Downtown Courtyard - 11 Monroe NW
84 - Huntington/ 50 Monroe - 50 Monroe NW
Thursday Afternoon
4 - GR Public Museum - 272 Pearl St NW
59 - Gerald Ford Museum - 303 Pearl NW
93 - Kent County Republicans - 725 Lake Michigan NW
110 - O'Toole's Public House - 448 Bridge NW
155 - Vander Hyde Mechanical - 1058 Scribner NW
29 - Carpe Diem Volleyball - 1010 Front NW
31 - City Art Gallery - 1168 Ionia NW
106 - Monroe Community Church - 800 Monroe NW
45 - DeVos Place - 303 Monroe NW
86 - Immanuel Lutheran Church - 2 Michigan NE
134 - Spectrum/Butterworth - 100 Michigan NE
135 - Spect./Lemmen Holton - 145 Michigan NE
One evening last week, I happened on a very busy brewery. Perhaps the summer heat brought on a neighborhood-wide craving for craft beer, because Brewery Vivant was alive with traffic.
Housed in what was once a neighborhood funeral home chapel, I noticed dinner parties, after-work socialites, young couples on dates, old couples on dates, and a most helpful staff - all enjoying the ambiance, the drinks, the menu, and the artwork of a recent KCAD alum, Jacob Zars.
The work, titled "Fun With Electrocution," will be exhibited on the walls of Brewery Vivant throughout the summer, adding as much beauty as it does curiosity to the venue's experience and overall aesthetic - which still lightly alludes to the dead and nearly buried. Jacob’s exhibit consists of 8 monotypes that toy with, and welcome the idea of death through a series of electrifying scenarios. I felt the work most effective, given the nature of the space. It requires the amount of intimacy and appeal offered by the venue to really capture the element of danger.
The close relationship between Jacob's work and the venue is, according to Jacob, all by design. He saw an opportunity in Vivant, where the collection could live and breathe along with the space and its visitors. He said of the relationship, "I was trying to tell stories on each wall. The art has to feel comfortable in its place." He added, "the work enhances the venue and the venue enhances the work." I believe his curating instinct is accurate, as each piece curiously contemplates an idea of darkness that I find wild with the notion of life or the living - just as the word Vivant, itself, suggests "to be alive" or "lively."
After discussing Jacob’s process of curating his work within the venue, we discussed his process of the work itself; which may suggest why he was so careful and thoughtful about where it was to be shown throughout the summer. He shared that each print took approximately thirty hours to create. Each transparency was carefully and directionally brushed with mainly black ink (one of the works includes some color) before it met paper. He explained his use of watercolors, cardboard, ink, and paper with great detail and passion. Jacob also included that the work was part of a larger, 24-image collection he created more than a year ago as part of his senior project. Jacob said the eight pieces used at the brewery "chose themselves" for the show.
I'd like to point out that Jacob made a big decision to pursue art verses the many athletic offers from other institutions. He said of his choice to study art, "it just doesn't compare." Fortunately, Jacob was able to demonstrate his love of sports while at KCAD. He helped start the Kendall Soccer Team and KCAD Club Tennis. He continues his love of distance running and still works part-time at Gazelle Sports, assisting other athletes.
Jacob said he would like to pursue an interest curating work for local venues in Grand Rapids. He also expressed that he will continue to create art in his studio space and at area events such as UICA Live Coverage or the Art Battle For Community at Sazerac Lounge - where, last year, Jacob won first place.
Terry Frixen - Photo by Ryan P. Photo
Terry volunteers for the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts (UICA) visual arts committee, the Kids Food Basket, and soon plans to start training at the GRAM, where he wishes to help out. Terry is also the Artist Relations Coordinator of the SiTE:LAB team. He says of his volunteerism: "I feel that by volunteering with the groups that I am, I will meet great people, make great connections, and learn a lot. This is starting to prove true." I should probably note that SiTE:LAB, co-founded by KCAD adjunct sculpture professor Paul Amenta, is a non-profit group of artist and art enthusiasts - one of which I hope to write about in the future.
"Beautiful Decay" was shown throughout the month of June. For those of you who hadn't the chance to see his collection hung elegantly along the north wall of the venue, Terry has graciously included two pieces of work from the show as part of this blog post.
He explains "Beautiful Decay" as a collection of three different series that express his recent fascination with rust, warped or rotted wood, and chipped or peeled paint. He says of his work: "I look at all the images I have right now and I feel that it truly shows the beauty in what could be considered ugly."
Terry has managed to pursue his love of photography, his career at Meijer, and his volunteer activities in the community, including the KCAD Alumni board, where he currently serves as the board president.
Terry’s Twitter: @tgf1980
