Thursday, January 31, 2013
Lion Man from Ice Age is World's Oldest Figurative Sculpture...
Re-dated with many new fragments discovered, the Lion Man statue of the Ulm Museum has been found to be around 40,000 years old, making it the oldest known figurative statue ever discovered...take a look....
http://theartnewspaper.com/articles/Ice-Age-iLion-Mani-is-worlds-earliest-figurative-sculpture/28595
If you couldn't tell by the constant inspiration I take from ancient man, I love this kind of art...I suppose it fits, then, to find a recent piece of my own that so much resembles this "first figurative sculpture"...and no, I had no idea this sculpture existed before I painted my own lion man...
NEW RECORD! 10,000+ Views!
Great month everyone!
Despite it being a somewhat tumultuous start to the year work and art-wise, The blog saw it's highest total views ever, breaking the previous record by almost a full 2,000 views! This first month of the year also stands as the first time that the blog has seen 10,000 views in one calendar month!
Thanks to everyone reading, keeping checking in, continue to spread the blog, and have yourself a beer (or seven) in celebration!
If you're interested in contributing, either through writing articles, posting art, or suggesting topics, shoot me an email and I'll see what I can do. Many fun, interesting and exciting things still to come for the blog and Milwaukee in this young year...and there's no reason you can't be involved!
Despite it being a somewhat tumultuous start to the year work and art-wise, The blog saw it's highest total views ever, breaking the previous record by almost a full 2,000 views! This first month of the year also stands as the first time that the blog has seen 10,000 views in one calendar month!
Thanks to everyone reading, keeping checking in, continue to spread the blog, and have yourself a beer (or seven) in celebration!
One beer for every view...aaaaand go! |
If you're interested in contributing, either through writing articles, posting art, or suggesting topics, shoot me an email and I'll see what I can do. Many fun, interesting and exciting things still to come for the blog and Milwaukee in this young year...and there's no reason you can't be involved!
The Clockmaker at Next Act
Take a look at Third Coast Digest's review of The Clockmaker, Next Act Theater's newest production and location for my newest show. Check out the review here...
http://thirdcoastdigest.com/2013/01/next-act-winds-up-for-the-clockmaker/
and preview Daniel's show here...
http://marionart23.blogspot.com/2013/01/daniel-fleming-at-next-act-theater.html
http://thirdcoastdigest.com/2013/01/next-act-winds-up-for-the-clockmaker/
and preview Daniel's show here...
http://marionart23.blogspot.com/2013/01/daniel-fleming-at-next-act-theater.html
ATF's Bungled Milwaukee Sting Operation...
As if we needed more proof of the incompetence of the government...a stunning story hit the news yesterday, detailing a bungled sting operation by the ATF in Milwaukee which resulted in theft, property damage and a machine gun on the streets...take a look...
http://www.jsonline.com/watchdog/watchdogreports/atfs-milwaukee-sting-operation-marred-by-mistakes-failures-mu8akpj-188952581.html
Luckily, at least at this point, it doesn't seem like the story's going unnoticed...
http://www.jsonline.com/watchdog/watchdogreports/members-of-congress-seek-inquiry-of-faulty-atf-operation-in-milwaukee-308jb1a-189126461.html
http://www.jsonline.com/watchdog/watchdogreports/atfs-milwaukee-sting-operation-marred-by-mistakes-failures-mu8akpj-188952581.html
Luckily, at least at this point, it doesn't seem like the story's going unnoticed...
http://www.jsonline.com/watchdog/watchdogreports/members-of-congress-seek-inquiry-of-faulty-atf-operation-in-milwaukee-308jb1a-189126461.html
A Slice of Life. Art and the Body.
Check out this cool art inspired by cross-sections of the human body made with folded pieces of paper.
http://blogs.smithsonianmag.com/artscience/2012/12/slice-of-life-artistic-cross-sections-of-the-human-body/
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Daniel Fleming at Next Act Theater
Take a look at my new show, just set up last night at Next Act Theater for their production of "The Clockmaker." All work for sale, contact Daniel Fleming with questions or comments!
New Scenery for "Classics"
Take a look at some of the work still available after my recent showing at Parsifal, now on view at the Blackforest headquarters.
Any of these pieces look like what your home or office needs? Take a look at the rest of the collection at the link below and send me an email with any questions or comments!
http://marionart23.blogspot.com/2013/01/classics-complete-collection.html
Any of these pieces look like what your home or office needs? Take a look at the rest of the collection at the link below and send me an email with any questions or comments!
http://marionart23.blogspot.com/2013/01/classics-complete-collection.html
Firm Still Has Hand in Mining Legislation.
A much-contested mining bill that promoters say would create hundreds of jobs but detractors argue would lift important environmental regulations still has a large mining firm attached to it's drafting, raising some questions as to the motivations behind the suggested changes. Opponents argue that no input was sought from environmental groups, and only the interest of the mining firm has been taken into account. Take a look.
http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/mining-firm-has-role-in-drafting-bill-9h8invg-189008511.html
http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/mining-firm-has-role-in-drafting-bill-9h8invg-189008511.html
15 Year Old Performer at Inauguration Shot Dead in Chicago.
Chicago saw a record-breaking year of homicides, followed by 40 deaths so far this year. Yesterday a fifteen year-old female found herself the most recent addition to that list, just a week after performing at President Barack Obama's Inauguration...
http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/01/30/16771949-girl-who-performed-at-obamas-inauguration-shot-dead-in-chicago#comments
http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/01/30/16771949-girl-who-performed-at-obamas-inauguration-shot-dead-in-chicago#comments
Re-creating the Blimp, er, Airship.
In an attempt to move more cargo at more efficient levels than ever before, a new rigid airship is being constructed and has passed it's first flight tests...take a look...
http://news.yahoo.com/high-tech-cargo-airship-being-built-california-100513071--finance.html
and I can't help but go through any number of archer references from the episode "skytanic"...
http://news.yahoo.com/high-tech-cargo-airship-being-built-california-100513071--finance.html
and I can't help but go through any number of archer references from the episode "skytanic"...
US Economy Shrinks for First Time in 3.5 years.
After a number of years of slow, but positive growth the US Economy shrank for the first time in 3.5 years...take a look...
http://www.nbcnews.com/business/economywatch/us-economy-contracts-first-time-3-1-2-years-1B8174851
http://www.nbcnews.com/business/economywatch/us-economy-contracts-first-time-3-1-2-years-1B8174851
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
The Meaning of Marion...
If you type "Marion Art" into google,you actually get quite a few results...there's some kind of art consultation company...a few community organizations...a few galleries located in towns named "marion"...but eventually you run into something called "marian art"...and I suppose that's where the story of the blog name begins...
Marian art is, simply put, artwork that deals with the story of the biblical Mary and I suppose it was the following idea that drew me to the concept...
Through hundreds of years of history, this type of art, seen through the right eyes, is barely art at all, but more a religious statement...an essential part of faith...even life.
In some way, that's what started the ball rolling. I wanted to create art that was not simply one possibility... I wanted to create art that could be a narrative to each viewer, specific to their background and experience. To create art that isn't simply a pretty picture, but leads to some revelation...To some, the narrative may be foreign...to others, it's a personal investigation. To some the meaning is ever-present...to others, it's a lesson to use for another time. I wanted my work to mean something to people...
but contrary to "marian art", I don't want that message reserved to a single mindset.
That's where I split from the inspiration...where marian art sought to express specific beliefs and teachings, Marion art seeks to spread all art, all avenues of thinking, and knowledge about art and its inspirations...Instead of saying one thing that one group was looking for, I wanted it to address a few possibilities, each of which could be latched onto and pursued...
Marion art takes it's name from a long tradition, but instead of preaching a constant, it's message opens itself to countless possible interpretations. It's goal is to become something more than just a picture, to express art as an essential, to create art that IS essential...but also to show that art's essential to all...not just those that have always believed.
Marian art is, simply put, artwork that deals with the story of the biblical Mary and I suppose it was the following idea that drew me to the concept...
Although Marian art items may at times be viewed from an artistic perspective and sold at auctions, or discussed from an academic viewpoint in the context of art history, from a religious viewpoint they form part of the very fabric of Roman Catholic Marian culture.That is, it's art...but that's not it's true meaning or purpose, depending on the viewer. Depending on your beliefs, it's art or it's an icon...it's an image or it is the subject itself.
Through hundreds of years of history, this type of art, seen through the right eyes, is barely art at all, but more a religious statement...an essential part of faith...even life.
In some way, that's what started the ball rolling. I wanted to create art that was not simply one possibility... I wanted to create art that could be a narrative to each viewer, specific to their background and experience. To create art that isn't simply a pretty picture, but leads to some revelation...To some, the narrative may be foreign...to others, it's a personal investigation. To some the meaning is ever-present...to others, it's a lesson to use for another time. I wanted my work to mean something to people...
but contrary to "marian art", I don't want that message reserved to a single mindset.
That's where I split from the inspiration...where marian art sought to express specific beliefs and teachings, Marion art seeks to spread all art, all avenues of thinking, and knowledge about art and its inspirations...Instead of saying one thing that one group was looking for, I wanted it to address a few possibilities, each of which could be latched onto and pursued...
Marion art takes it's name from a long tradition, but instead of preaching a constant, it's message opens itself to countless possible interpretations. It's goal is to become something more than just a picture, to express art as an essential, to create art that IS essential...but also to show that art's essential to all...not just those that have always believed.
To Offer a Bull in the Hopes We Can Eat... The Details.
A few closer looks at my most recent piece...
To Offer a Bull in the Hopes We Can Eat
38x52"
Ink, Acrylic, Pastel and Pencil on Canvas
A couple clues to what you're seeing...the bull that takes up the majority of the piece (but with a human face) represents the self...the sacrificer, or, as we delve deeper, the sacrifice itself.
You see homes, prayers, books, chalices, meals...all within or around the bull, symbols of the treasures being offered.
Below, you see a small plot of greyish grass, hands outstretched, plates bare, cups turned over...
The bull with all its possessions and offerings, full of life and vibrancy is leaving the ground, gently floating away from the outstretched arms. But what could this mean?
Are the arms reaching toward their own sacrifice, grasping at the last comforts of its presence or toward the deity or ruler above in praise?
Is the sacrifice the objects these people possess or, due to the relative importance of these objects to their ability to live, of the people themselves?
Is the sacrifice for the betterment of the community, or does the sacrifice itself create a constant need of outside support?
Are you, ultimately, sacrificing yourself for the betterment of yourself?
How does an omnipotent ruler really justify the temporary suffering of his people for, what amounts to, "acknowledgement of greatness"?
Is a sacrifice any better than actually helping those around you directly, or maybe, should the dedication of ones service to another be sacrifice enough?
Time to Start Over on the Eisenhower Memorial.
Take a look at an interesting article on the proposed Eisenhower Memorial, and how, no matter whether it gets built or not, the damage has been done to the current proposal and the design should be revisited...
http://www.rollcall.com/news/roche_time_to_start_over_on_the_eisenhower_memorial-220938-1.html?pos=oopih
and an article wondering what Eisenhower himself would think of the proposed design...
http://www.esquire.com/blogs/politics/dwight-eisenhower-memorial-15016132
http://www.rollcall.com/news/roche_time_to_start_over_on_the_eisenhower_memorial-220938-1.html?pos=oopih
and an article wondering what Eisenhower himself would think of the proposed design...
http://www.esquire.com/blogs/politics/dwight-eisenhower-memorial-15016132
Monday, January 28, 2013
Subglacial Lake Reached, Viewed.
After 800 meters of melting, scientists finally glimpsed the interior of a subglacial lake that hasbeen separated for the outside world for a million years. Take a look...
http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/crux/2013/01/27/scientists-first-glimpse-interior-of-an-antarctic-subglacial-lake#.UQb6Do5hrnZ
http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/crux/2013/01/27/scientists-first-glimpse-interior-of-an-antarctic-subglacial-lake#.UQb6Do5hrnZ
An Act of Offering To a Deity Something Precious (Sacrifice)
A brand new piece about the conundrum of sacrifice...Offering that which could directly help you to an omnipotent ruler, who has no real need for mere material possessions, in hopes he will, eventually, return the favor and make your life, in some respect, better....
Boy Scouts "Actively Considering" an End to Banning Gay Members.
The Boy Scouts of America has announced that they are "actively considering" an end to their banning of gay members...take a look...
http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/01/28/16739587-exclusive-boy-scouts-close-to-ending-ban-on-gay-members-leaders?lite
http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/01/28/16739587-exclusive-boy-scouts-close-to-ending-ban-on-gay-members-leaders?lite
Campaign Database Leased to Advocacy Group.
I suppose this is why I continued to get 10 emails per day...
http://openchannel.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/01/28/16726913-obama-campaign-gives-database-of-millions-of-supporters-to-new-advocacy-group?lite
Just a note to politicians...I think this is a great tactic to get a large number of people to NEVER hand over their emails to you during a campaign ever again. I mean, I don't even remember a time where I did sign up for emails, let alone 10 per day...let alone for them to continue for months after the election. Lame.
http://openchannel.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/01/28/16726913-obama-campaign-gives-database-of-millions-of-supporters-to-new-advocacy-group?lite
Just a note to politicians...I think this is a great tactic to get a large number of people to NEVER hand over their emails to you during a campaign ever again. I mean, I don't even remember a time where I did sign up for emails, let alone 10 per day...let alone for them to continue for months after the election. Lame.
Loud Signs.
A new piece, in progress, about the challenge of getting through the obvious. Here you have a building with maybe a hundred rooms, some dark, some blue (more variation to come) , yet the attention is taken by the billboards soaring above...the simplicity of the bright bold colors outweigh the individual details, no matter how interesting the actually are...
I suppose it's a comment on seeing what's presented to you. We have so much media and advertising that you could easily sit back and just absorb information...I suppose I'd rather investigate for myself and find the "diamonds in the rough" instead of just agreeing with whomever yells the loudest...
Re-Discovered...
I tell you what...If I ever get famous, dumpster divers, goodwill hunters and thrift store junkies rejoice because I seem to lose track pieces like its loose-change. Take a look at this piece from a few months ago that got buried away during some weekend cleaning spree and just re-emerged this past weekend...
There's nothing quite like laying eyes on a piece that you forgot existed...especially when it's a rather unique example. This piece was one of a few that enlarged the surreal "creatures" to the full expanse of the surface...and maybe the only one that's still around...
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Loud Signs. New Piece In-Progress.
Take a look at a brand new piece, started late last night.
Tentatively titled Loud Signs. - Acrylic, Ink and Pastel, 36x60.
Tentatively titled Loud Signs. - Acrylic, Ink and Pastel, 36x60.
Getting Ready...
Spent most of the weekend getting ready to hang a new show...a little bit of a mix of old and new work...details to come!
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