Sunday, December 19, 2010

Lorri Courtney...rock 'n' roll!

Below are some thoughts from Lorri Courtney on her creations: octopus dolls and bowls made of long playing records and journals with theircover!! Indiecool in Fort Wayne!

What inspires

you?


First, I consider myself a crafter not an artist. I
don't presume to have any vision or
viewpoint with my work. I just like
making things. I mostly knit and crochet and work with paper. I
like manipulating
yarn to make textures and patterns. I've made many sweaters over the years but
lately find that I do
better with smaller projects that I can finish quickly and move on. I started making the
little octopus dolls a few years ago and
they've really caught on. I sell
them locally
but also on-line at my Etsy shop. Etsy's a crafter's website that
has worldwide
appeal. I've sold to Austria, Wales, and Canada as well as all over the USA. My site is
www.llcourtney.etsy.com.

I grew up with a very creativ
e
mother. She was an expert seamstress, she liked to knit and crochet, and did beautiful crewel work. My sister and I
were always busy. We always has a jigsaw puzzle or a latch hook rug out to work on. I remember we had a
papercutter and I loved using it. It
seems I always had something to do.

How did you start?

My
crafting "career" started when I went to my first indie craft show
in Columbus, Ohio. I saw hip, talented people making
unusual things
that I absolutely loved. The indie movement seems to attract young, creative, free-thinkers
who want to create
unique pieces that represent their point of view. After that
show I decided
to start making things that I could sell. It's been fun experimenting and especially
exciting when
others like what I make.

I started making bowls out of
discarded long
playing records which lead to using the cardboard covers to make journals. Both of these
items are fun to make and share. I love the reaction when
someone finds their favorite recording
artist or an album from their past.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Cat Voors and her Cat's Creations!

Here is another artist of our Artlink holiday sale, check out the interview and her works at Artlink!
What inspires you?
What inspires me is a particular piece of stone or other element that becomes a focal point and the otherparts of the piece come together organically. Sometimes a piece never gets finished.
What medium do you primarily work in? Why did you select this medium?I primarily work in stone and glass and some silver.I love natural elements – stones, pearls, even wood. I want to get more involved with creating silver projects.
What do you put in your art that represents you?
I need my pieces to be unique. I will make several like pieces of costume jewelry on occasion, but the better pieces are one of a kind.
Do you try to make a statement with your art?
I don't try to make a statement. If I finish a piece and put it up for sale it is because I like it and wouldwear it and hope someone else will as well.

What is your favorite aspect of art?
My favorite aspectofart is to see it come together without my forcing it. That is why I call my jewelry art – because I am the one with the tools but the pieces come together on their own.

Who inspired you to be an artist and who are your favorite artists?I was inspired by a gal I met and whose name I never knew. She made lovely jewelry and made me want to get involved with that mixed medium. I have so enjoyed this creative outlet and meeting so many lovely people who stop to look at what I've made.

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Dixie Bradley: glass & creativity

Here is another interview with one of the artists taking part in the Holiday Art Market ongoing at Artlink: Dixie Bradley.

What inspires you?
I started in photography and did mainly "light paintings" -- cibachrome photograms. From there, I went to oil painting. Then I also got interested in doing collages, since with the photography, I had a number of compositions that didn't work out as well as I had hoped, and they got thrown into a corner to "someday" go into collages. I also have always collected interesting "stuff" when we travel, ie, shells, rocks, hunks of glass, wood, bones, whatever I can either put in my pocket or purse. After a while, that "stuff" was getting to be quite a pile of things and one day, I wanted a decoration to hang on the side of a kitchen cupboard (since I was bored with potholders) and began making three-dimensional assemblages. I also have done some stained glass pieces and had extra scrap glass left, so I would add it to the assemblages. I also have always been fascinated with hot glass work -- loving the shine and texture, etc. So, I took a few glass fusing classes and started making some fused glass jewelry. This seemed like a natural for the Holiday Art Market, since a one-of-a-kind piece can be sold at a very reasonable price.

What medium do you primarily work in? Why did you select this medium?
I'm not sure I have a favorite medium -- maybe whatever I'm doing at the timeSmiley emoticon I find switching mediums helps when I get "blocked".

What do you put in your art that represents you?

I guess that any piece of art that I do represents me in some manner, since every artist is different and will see and interpret things differently.

Do you try to make a statement with your art?

I don't think I consciously try to make a statement in my work -- only that I want to create something that the viewer will enjoy.

What is your favorite aspect of art?

I guess my favorite aspect of art is that something can be made out of almost anything. I especially enjoy doing the collages and assemblages for the repurposing aspect -- artists are the original recyclers.

Who inspired you to be an artist and who are your favorite artists?

One of my favorite artists is, of course, my husband and best friend -- Norman Bradley. He has always encouraged me to keep experimenting and stretching as an artist. Other favorites would be Georgia O'Keeffe, Vincent Van Gogh, Claude Monet, John Singer Sargent, Turner, Picasso, Steiglitz, Ansel Adams, Frida Kahlo, etc., etc.,








Thursday, November 18, 2010

Marie Gardeski at the Holiday Art Market at Artlink



Holiday Art Market will be open for business Friday, November 19, 2010 through January 2, 2011 for holiday shopping needs.

Among the artists you'll find Marie Gardeski with her crazy hand soaps.

We have asked her some questions so you can get to know her better.


What inspires you?


I'm inspired by segments of stories, overheard and read. I get ideas from occurrences I witness (a boy on a bike, crossing the road with 2 eggs in one hand) and odd/humorous bits of conversation I overhear ("she's the only woman in the world who can eat beef through a picket fence"). Many of the characters I draw are inspired by broken action figures, strange old toys and figurines. And, of course, tiny plastic animals.



What medium do you primarily work in? Why did you select this medium?


Mostly I draw with graphite and colored pencil and paint with watercolors and gouache. These materials allow me to make the delicate lines and soft colors that I love. I also do installation work in various materials including found objects...


Sometimes my artwork later turns into something more like a product... Like Handsoap. Other times I make items for myself that I think will be handy, and end up making more of them to sell, in hopes that others would find it useful as well (i.e. tote bags, wrist zips). Many of my sewn products are made from second hand materials.



What do you put in your art that represents you? Everything.



Do you try to make a statement with your art?


I try to tell stories with my art. Vague tales that can (hopefully) be interpreted in various ways by different viewers.



What is your favorite aspect of art?


I like being able to express myself in a subtle way. I like making things that people might enjoy or puzzle over. I also enjoy developing new ideas and ways of creating images and objects. I like that art is an excuse for me to play.



Who inspired you to be an artist and who are your favorite artists?


I have always been interested in making things. Growing up I spent most of my spare time drawing or sewing or assembling something. My parents have always been very supportive.


Recently I discovered the work of Allyson Mellberg-Taylor which has a delicacy and weirdness that I love. I also enjoy the work of Marcel Dzama, Henry Darger and of course, my husband david birkey.



Thursday, November 4, 2010

Tonite, Tonite, Tonite!

Visit Stone Carver, Cary Shafer's Studio

Tonight, Thursday, November 4, 6-9 p.m.

Cary Shafer a nationally recognizes stone carver will give a stone carving demonstration. Join us for this unique opportunity to watch an art form that only a few still do in the United States. There is no charge for this event so mark your calendars. Cary's studio is located at 611 East Wayne Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46802. To view his work visit www.caryshafer.com

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Toy and Book Illustration Exhibit

Reminder

Reminder

Reminder

Opening Reception Friday, October 29th, 6-9 p.m.

Check out work from over 70 regional artists.


Thursday, September 23, 2010

New! Come with us to Indy for the Warhol exhibit!

Bus trip! Bus Trip! The registration form is ready and we are set to go down to the IMA (Indianapolis Museum of Art) to check out the Warhol Exhibit and their new sculpture garden. I hear the sculpture garden is a bit of a hike so put those walking shoes on! Or you can just check out the museum and skip all the walking :) we'll let you do either. Tuesday, October 12th so get your seat today! Visit www.artlinkfw.com for the form or call us. We like to talk to people too!

Friday, August 27, 2010

A quick update on Artlink's upcoming events...

Rock Poster Show at Artlink
Artlink will host the Rock Poster Show on Saturday, August 28th, 12-10 p.m. during the Taste of the Arts and the Dessert Event. Check out work from 5 poster artists in the center of the Main Gallery!
The official Taste of the Arts afterparty is DESSERT 2. For the second year in a row, Arts United approached OLG (and our friends at NIPR's Little Brother Radio) to curate the event. From 6-10PM, this free, all ages event will feature the hyphen-rock stylings of Mark Hutchins & The Exploding Radio Stars (indie-rock), Possum Trot Orchestra (folk-rock), The Sacred Broncos (garage-rock) and Wooden Satellites (indie-pop-rock). Artlink will feature a rock poster show during the event, and food and drink will be available from Mad Anthony Brewing Co., Hall's Takes the Cake, Subway and Purple Mountain Cheesecake. There's even valet parking for bikes-ride on down and be a part of TASTE OF THE ARTS and DESSERT!

Main Gallery:
Landscapes: Urban & Rural
Through September 29, 2010. Check out work from 17 artists including Nathan Abels, Jack Canty, David Carpentar, Penny French Deal, Daniel Dienelt, Gwen Gutwein, Liz Holzman, Rebecca Justice-Schaab, Tom Kelly, Tom Keesee, April Knox, Karen Moriarty, Terry Ratliff, Eric Stine, Susan Suraci, Eric Tarr and Josef Zimmerman. Experience urban and rural scenes in the one exhibit lending the viewer an interesting comparison of the two.

Push Pin Gallery:
IPFW Photography Students, Jr/Sr
Through September 29, 2010

Studio Visit Series - Gwen Gutwein: Friday, September 10th, 6-9 p.m.
Gwen, a local watercolorist and oil painter, will open her home and studio to Artlink's guests for the evening. Light appetizers and cash bar provided by CASA Restoranti Italiano. Mark your calendar for this event, tickets will be available soon!

Call for Entry
Toy and Book Illustration is an open call to regional artists. Visit www.artlinkfw.com for the prospectus.

Introduction to Bookbinding Workshop at Artlink
Gerald Ward, Senior Conservationist at Etherington Conservation Service will lead this workshop. The registration from is now available on Artlink's website, www.artlinkfw.com

Friday, August 6, 2010

Caravaggio

While at Artlink the Annual Members show is taking place until August 10th, Europe is celebrating the 400 years from the death of Caravaggio.
He was hailed by many as the father of modern painting and I just read an article on the Italian Rolling Stone Magazine about how he could be easily be compared to a modern rockstar. A troubled and short life lived always to the max. An extreme popularity co-existed with a violent personality and he was equally loved and hated. If you feel like reading more about him you won't be disappointed.

UP next at Artlink: Landscapes:Urban and rural exhibition (Aug 20th to Sept 29th)

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

The power of Etsy

I was living in New York at that time. Everybody thought it was very cool buy something different and unique and actually, I agreed too, It was Etsy.com they were talking about. The website that "enables people to make a living making things, and to reconnect makers with buyers". Everybody can have access to a huge marketplace and showcase their art or objects or clothes or accessories. I think It's simple and I think It's great. Then last week I read an article on the main Italian newspaper about the power of Etsy, 5 million merchants and a PIL bigger than a nation. "Handmade nation" is also a movie about the rise of Diy, arts and crafts. So, For those who still do not know what Etsy is...check it out. Both if you are an artist or a buyer!

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Architectural beauties

Pardon my being Italian and, as such, yes I am a soccer fan. We won the world cup 4 years ago, and now, alongside other big favorites like Brazil, Argentina, England and Spain, we are in South Africa fighting to win the cup again.
A part from the fact that the championship is in Africa for the first time ever, the curious thing is about the incredible architectural structure of the new stadiums. Look at these:


























One last thing about Artlink:
Call For Entry! Artlink's 8th Regional Exhibition Prospectus is now available. Artists within 100 miles of Fort Wayne, Indiana are eligible. Download the full prospectus at www.artlinkfw.com

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Saturday 12th June Downtown Fort Wayne

This forthcoming Saturday: Drop Your Avant Garde from 6pm-12am at 800 Block of Calhoun Street
Join the DID and Comcast for art, live music, food and drink specials, and more as four NEW unique art exhibits will be created in unconventional urban spaces.
These venues include 816 Pint & Slice, Dash-In, Loaf ‘n Ladle, The Garden Beauty & Barber Studio, and Ryan Hadley Studio. These locations will have new art, live music and food and drink specials.

Artlink news/updates:
-Organic Perspectives will be in the gallery until July 7th! Check out papercuttings from Deborah Whistler done by hand! Believe me, they are spectacular!
-Spend a week with Cara Lee Wade exploring CS4 Adobe Photoshop and get three graduate credits for that week through the University of Saint Francis. You can't beat a semesters worth of credits in one week! Check out www.artlinkfw.com for the registration form.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Organic Perspectives opens at Artlink, don't miss it!

June 4 - July 7
Opening reception for Organic perspective will be on Friday, June 4, 2010 from 6-9 p.m.
5 artists will be featured: Paul Adams, photographer (Lindon, Utah), Dale Clifford, printmaker (Savannah, Georgia), Lori Hepner, photographer (McKees, Pennsylvania), Justin Miller, painter (Fort Wayne, IN) and Deborah Whistler, paper cutting (Hanover, Indiana).
Push Pin Gallery: Works by Diane Overmyer

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Art Market Watch

I was pretty astonished to see that one of my fellow Italian artist, Maurizio Cattelan, has sold one of his last works at Sotheby's for $ 7,922,500! A record for an Italian contemporary artist, especially considering he's one of his most famous works is "The ninth hour" where the Pope John Paul II gets hit by a meteorite...
Being Italian I am kind of flattered by all these money spent for his work, but the real question is: having all that money to spend...would you really buy his art and put it in your house?

Sunday, May 16, 2010

They call it "Expressive Recycling"

Before moving to Fort Wayne last summer I lived in New York, both Manhattan and Brooklyn and I'm familiar with the Gowanus Area in Brooklyn where David Belt and his company MacroSea like making their eco-friendly art experiments.
Last year it was the Sea Pools and this year it's Glassphemy!
Since recycling it's boring this is a creative way to have fun while making the earth a better place. Check out the article and the video on the New York Times.
What do you think? I have to admit that I do like it!

A couple of ArtLink reminders:
Print exhibition will be running until May 26th, so if you haven't seen it yet...hurry!
Dont' forget on May 22nd the studio visit to one of Fort Wayne finest artists Terry Ratliff.


Monday, May 10, 2010

Your Stars of the arts

About a month ago TIME magazine selected three artists to watch on the occasion of the Whitney Biennal. The Whitney Biennal is an incredible window for new trends and artists where "contemporary" sometimes rhymes though with trivial and illegible.
Anyway to cut a long story short the three names to keep in mind are all women: Nina Berman (photographer), Kate Gilmore (video artist) and painter Lesley Vance.
Now...It'll be great to know which are YOURS three artists to watch in Indiana or Fort Wayne area!

Friday, April 23, 2010

It's been a while...

Our last post dates back to January, I know, it's a long time.
We are kind of re-thinking the blog and we want all of you to be an active part in it with comments and suggestions.
From now on we will definitely continue to update you on the upcoming events and openings at Artlink and those in the Fort Wayne art world, but we would also love to share with you some curious art news from all over the world, art trends and interview some artists too.
In the meantime, don't forget that until May 26th at Artlink you can taste the 30th Annual National Print Exhibition: Artwork from regional and national printmakers of the highest quality!

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Got an idea for an exhibit? We would love to hear it!

Artlink's Artist Panel will plan another exhibit schedule in the coming months. Many times people share ideas with the staff at opening receptions and we thought maybe there could be a better way of doing this. So.... Artlink wants to know what exhibit ideas do you have? Yes, yes we know everyone wants a one person show but remember we are a non-profit attempting to show as many artists as possible so be creative and have some fun! The Artist Panel will be listening.