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Arts United presents Art
Explosion at ArtServe
March 11, 2006
JM Family Enterprises
Gallery
1350 East Sunrise Blvd
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
www.artsunitedonline.org |
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by Stephen R lang
The evening of March 11 is one that
I will not soon forget. After all of the events and craziness of
Pridefest 2006 in the War Memorial, I managed to break away to check out
and see what was going on over at ArtServe. While at the gate, I
was stopped by Joyce Bluestein from Express South Florida and her
girlfriend, wanting to know where the ArtServe exhibit was, and
how to go about getting there. All three of us started out on an
adventure, not only in location, but in imagination as well. None of us
had any idea what to expect.
After almost scaling a wire fence
because we thought we found a shortcut, we made it to the back door of
ArtServe. Upon entering, I knew that at least 90% of the people
went home, showered, and changed—after Pridefest. Not only did I look
like I had been handing out flyers all day for JumpOnMarksList, but in
the Carrie Bradshaw “Sex In The City”-esque way, suddenly
realized that I was still walking around with vendors bag that was well
let's just say, a little more risqué than I would have liked. Not
good…not classy. Quick touch up in the bathroom, hide the bag in my
camera bag, hair check, and I am good to go. Did I forget to mention
the pep talk I had with myself? I have met some of the most
interesting, creative, and innovative people, and they don’t always look
good…maybe I’ll blend in. Um no.
As I was walking around, first
finding out what was going on, who was where, what pieces stood out the
most, which ones where hidden, I met some of the most interesting
artists, people I’ve only heard of before, and some people I already
knew, basically the unique and quirky individuals that all make up the
art community. With the help of Joyce and her girlfriend, the
wonderful and amorous Pompano Bill, Host and Emcee Paul Harris,
Chuck Williams, and various individual artists, I was made to
feel welcome, and part of a very magical evening.
The best part of the show was not
only the fact that there were over 130 paintings, photographs, and
sculptures created by 61 local artists, but also the fact that there was
such great entertainment, to keep up with the feel of the importance of
this evening. Mr. Paul Harris of the Independent kept
everyone entertained, even to the bitter end, when Pompano Bill
won a date with him!
Ten artists work really caught my
eye. Their content ranges from painting to photography, and even though
I adored all of their sculptures and wall art, these pieces are my
favorite. |
Artist: Carlos Eduardo
Title: “Midnight Sun”
Medium: Photography |
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I met Carlos Eduardo about a
year ago at an event with his husband Tim and since then, I have
run into him at every local event. As local supporters of the
Arts Community of Southern Florida, you can’t miss him, with his
unique goatee, but the best part of him would be his genuine
friendly nature. I remember the day that he had a piece at
Storks Bakery in Wilton Manors for World AIDS Day and could not
wait to see him again to tell him how much I loved it.
One of the two pieces he
showed for this exhibit was titled, “Midnight Sun.” At first
you think that it was a misprint, then, maybe a play on words
which would lead you to study the piece. However, it’s quite
simple: it was taken in Alaska during one of the periods where
the sun doesn’t set, so, in all actuality…it’s a picture of the
beach at midnight, while the sun is still shining. Amazing
concept, and the best part of both pieces is the fact that it’s
rare that he touches up a photo, that it’s raw and natural, just
like him. |
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Artist:
Brian “Bubba” Caron
Title: “Angel 1” &
“Angel 2”
Medium: Photography
Price: $295 each
www.bubbaclicks.net |
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What an amazing experience
meeting Bubba, not only for the fact that he’s a no-nonsense
down-to-earth person, but can actually carry on a conversation
with a complete stranger. [I take that into account when meeting
artisans, how would they react to ordinary people?] Well, after
talking, he gladly showed me his portfolio of work he’s working
on for his next show, when, to my surprise, he loves my
roommate, Misty Eyez! [www.jumponmarkslist.com/misty_cori.htm]
I love seeing the byproduct
of a creative mind and visionary eyes. Like a hawk, he picks
out of life the small nuances that can, actually—stand alone.
The two photos he showed were actually taken of a grave statue
in a hidden graveyard in Springfield, MA. I inquired as to the
location, but said that I would definitely get lost. We
compared notes and both feel that the graveyard in Old San Juan
to have the best features. Bubba then told me that he is
showing at the Gallery of the Unknown Artist in Hollywood next
month, and the whole collection is of tattoo photos called “Skin
Deep”—and yes Misty, I’m dragging you! [or are you dragging
me?] |
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Artist: Angela Zaniratoo
Title: “Vital Energy”
Medium: Acrylic Airbrush
Painting
Price: $2,000 |
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| I did not get a chance to meet Angela at this
event, but I found out after-the-fact that she had other
obligations. The painting is an airbrush painting with acrylic
that is quite remarkable. It looks like she took the time and
actually studied the human form, every inch, muscle, shape, and
contour. I would have to say that, like actual people, whatever
physical attribute people look at first is usually the same
things they look at when looking at the human form in art.
Let’s just say it wasn’t the penis, but he nipples. They look
rather lifelike. The fact that his arms are shielding his face
is amazing, to make you literally take focus off of the face and
put it on the torso. I would love to see what other work she
has, and phone number of the subject! |
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Artist: Michael Daun
Title: “Arrogant”
Medium: Mixed Media
Price: $940
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| Michael Dun was another artist I did not meet
and really wish that I had. His work is simple yet intricate at
the same time. It is almost pop art but with the intricate
brushstrokes on top, it gives it a texture not often seen. What
I liked best about this piece is that the blue background is
rather calming and unified, not busy, and thereby making the
torso and head stand out. I would love to talk with him and
find out his method to getting the texture and what he considers
Mixed Media and of course, what other works he has.
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Artist: Michael Flint
Title: “Back”
Medium: Oil Painting
Price: $825 |
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This piece, “Back”
is amazing in the fact that, when placed with the name, it is
clearly what is says, however—if just left alone, would your
mother know what it is? Could you tell your father that it’s
something else and would he believe you? I love it, for the
fact that the colors and shading make it not perfect.
It’s muscular yes, but not ideal or iconic—worthy of a Greek
statue. It’s real, almost to the point you would see a scar,
but glad Michael left out any tattoos, for that would distract
your attention. There’s one picture, I think it’s charcoal,
that is on the set of “Will & Grace” in Will’s TV area, that
this along those same lines—something you could be proud of. |
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Artist: Cheryl Turner
Title: “New Girl In
Town” & “Café De Flor”
Medium: Acrylic Painting
Price: $825 each
rosencone@aol.com
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While taking the pictures
seen here, I met Cheryl Turner. Just as sweet as pie, she
introduced herself and was astonished at the fact that I thought
her painting, “New Girl In Town”, looks like a cartoon rendition
of the cast of “The L Word.” As a recent obsessive fan of the
show, I had let her know and anyone I came in contact
with, some people I actually took over to it. I feel like they
are all the characters that I could just talk to any one of
them, and would love to own it. She also told me that she has a
male version. But, then if I got this one, I’d just have
to get the other one above it. |
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| This one is called “Café De Flor”
and is amazing in the fact that it looks like two guys having
coffee, but actually one is a 30’s style woman. Now, the
question is, which one is it? They both have lines
indicating an Adam’s Apple, one looks like Patrick Dempsey and
the other looks like Edward Furlong from “Terminator 2: Judgment
Day”, both have thin eyebrows, and both look like, after hearing
this, could be either sex. But which one is it? |
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Artist: Matthew Cottrell
Title: “Layered
Existence” & “Common Paths”
Medium: Photography
Price: $125 each
photosimon@comcast.net |
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I met Matthew many months
ago when I was at Storks Wilton Manors. While hanging up his
exquisite artwork, I struck up a conversation and as it turns
out, he is an amazing person. Don’t get me wrong, I liked the
work that he had there, but he has talent above and beyond
conventional photographers. He does things with his computer:
morphing, colorizing, and focusing in on intricate details that
would normally be overlooked. He can do everything from making
an entire picture out of a bunch of pomegranate seeds to
self-portraits with lights behind him that look like they belong
in funky South Beach hotels. He is a very spiritual man, and it
comes through all aspects of his art, be it from the subjects
(nature) to the names “Common Paths” and “Nemaste.” The best
part, apparently, before the show, some patron came in and
bought both pictures. Congratulations Matt! |
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Artist: Karen Myers
Title: “Silent Thoughts”
Medium: Mixed Media
Price: $175
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This piece feels like a cross between pieces
of postcards, old photos, and antique parchment all perfectly
preserved in a shadowbox frame. When I looked at it I heard
Buddhist bells chime. If I owned it I would probably smile and
take a second and relax, before continuing with my hectic life.
I want to see what other pieces she has, if they are all
spiritual in nature, Easter Philosophy based, shadowboxes,
whatever have you. I want to see more. |
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Artist:
Carlos Marrero
Title: “Lustral”
Medium: Illustration
Price: $265
www.glamurella.com |
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| Carlos Marrero can capture a feeling in one
illustration. With his work, it is so versatile that it can
either be used in a magazine for an article or hung in a pop-art
section of a museum. I remember also seeing his work up at
Storks Wilton Manors and actually fell in love with one picture
that looked exactly like Janice Dickinson. So much that
every time I went in I talked to it and said “hi.” Well, come
to find out, Carlos has not only written a book, but about ten!
The absolute best thing—he’s local, apparently everyone I know
knows him…except me! |
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Artist: Dennis Dean
Title: “Within Reach”
Medium: Photography
Price: $350
www.dennisdean.com |
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| How could you have an art show for Pridefest
without the talented Dennis Dean? Well, all of his works is
something to talk about, all male, all nude. What’s best about
him, the artist, is the fact that he’s quiet and quite
friendly. I remember winning a Dennis Dean 2004 calendar [which
I still have] at a Broward House Christmas Party raffle and
wishing that someday I could meet him. Well, that day was
Saturday, March 11, 2006. He reminds me of Ron Nyswaner, author
of “Philadelphia” and “A Soldier’s Girl.” Both have good hearts
and are boundlessly talented. Apparently, at the last minute
the people at ArtsUnited called him and he gladly supplied them
with a room full of prints and the portrait behind him, but he’s
been known to do that, fill in and wow them. I am glad he lives
here. |
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