Christopher Wool

Christopher Wool was someone I began looking at since he had a similar process of combining printmaking and painting. Aesthetically, I don't particularly care for his work, but the paintings contain all the attributes of successful abstraction. This is the probably the most interesting aspect of his work, its almost amateurish, provisional aesthetic against his obvious successes with high concept. i f you spend any more than 5 seconds with these works, the movement, layered space, and depth all become readily apparent. And that is kind of the greatest accomplishment of his work, the creation of what we consider to be smart and successful works which appear unassuming and painfully simple at first glance.

Apex

Something Ive been thinking about recently is the point where a work has reached a certain point which its plasticity is at highest level (plasticity referring to desirable or valuable aspects within a work).  This is the apex of a given work, the point in which nothing more of value can be added to a work. Almost any artist can recognize this point in a work, when a piece starts to leave you and you begin questioning whether the work is done or not. More often than not, what happens is the individual continues to work on the piece because it is not at the intended state which the artist envisioned. This has to be one of the biggest follies of the young artist, the ability to get in their own way. What inevitably then occurs is the continued striving of the artist to create some preconceived image which leads to an already quality work collapsing upon itself. The ability to both literally and metaphorically step back from a work is essential to the progress and growth of any creator.

Clemens Behr

This is an artist i just stumbled upon in the last week who seems to be dealing with many similar issues I am concerned with in art. Behr seems to have an almost effortless transitional in his work from painting, to sculpture and installation. his color palette is keen and defined, but without the staleness that can come from exhausted repetition.

Boo Ritson

The list of names in my archive were noticeably missing female artists, and the first that came to mind was Boo Ritson. Her work really blurs the line of categorization and medium. Are these photos of work, or are they some bastardization of painting, sculpture, and photography? "Subtlety is not something I aim for."

 This for me is the culmination at its high point, is this photography, painting or sculpture? My responses to this is, its irrelevant, the work is strong regardless. How can we bring fluidity of medium to our work?

John Paul Leon

Commericial Illustrator. Great work nonetheless

 This piece reminds me of Gormley's sculptures, and a particular notion which was pointed out to me. The idea of Gormley as a minimalist working in the figurative; "Gormley concerned with the silent presence as the viewer confrontation". The paring down of pictorial aspects to there bare essentials. This is easily my favorite of John's work. I couldn't possibly think of what could be added to this work, it is complete, and thus has taken on an independent existence of its own.

Donny Nguyen

Drawings from the Donny's sketchbook. I really cant emphasize enough how important I think it is for any creator to keep something where they log their ideas freely. Personally, I like to keep at least 2 active at all times. Even if I don't find myself actively creating work in the future, I know will always have a sketchbook in my hands.

Porsche Racing

These are series of ads for various Porsche races throughout the 60's and 70's. these may not be what many consider to be fine art, but they still hold a lot of value for me. Regardless of your feelings towards commercialism or what constitutes art, these are effortlessly great posters who hold the aspects which we attribute to great art; design, space, composition, tonality, and spirituality. At the end of the day, who is to say that you cant make something for profit and create great art?

These are only a portion of the images I have, these are constant source of inspiration for me. I really thinks its important to look at and appreciate whatever they get their hands on, whether it be a medium you work in or not. As someone who finds value in the entirety of the visual arts, I find the cross pollination of mediums refreshing and liberating.