The moment I got my second vaccine shot and knew I was going to be back in NYC, I got tickets for the KAWS: What Party exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum. Boy am I glad I did. I had been slow to the KAWS fan club, but I am now a full-fledged member. I think Brian Donnelly, a.k.a. KAWS, is a genius. The twenty-five year … Continue reading KAWS in Brooklyn, NY
If you read my blog you are well aware that I am a huge Judy Chicago fan. Today being Chicago’s 82nd birthday, I thought I’d share with you photos from my much awaited visit to see The Dinner Party, which is permanently on view at the Brooklyn Museum. “The Dinner Party, an important icon of 1970s feminist art and a milestone in twentieth-century art, is … Continue reading Judy Chicago’s “The Dinner Party” in Brooklyn, NY
As I am beginning to get out in the world again, I have been thinking back on what I have learned during the pandemic and all the wonderful artists, and their work, that I’ve been introduced to. I took a fantastic Alternative Materials course with Eun-Ha Paek last winter through Greenwich House, the same place that I took courses from Derek Weisberg. I loved it, … Continue reading Candles I will never light!
During the past year and a half, I have taken more classes online than I can count. One of the first was taught by Derek Weisberg through Greenwich House Pottery in New York City. I ended up taking every ceramic history course he offered on line, despite them almost always starting at 7 AM Pacific Time (for me). I was genuinely bummed when his classes … Continue reading Derek Weisberg in New York, NY
I was fortunate to get to see Alice Mackler’s recent show at Kerry Schuss Gallery in New York. “Alice Mackler’s fifth solo exhibition at Kerry Schuss Gallery features nine ceramic sculptures along with a small selection of paintings all created during the last two years. With her new sculptures Mackler continues to focus on the theme that has animated her work for more than over … Continue reading Alice Mackler in New York, NY
My daughter and I had such a good time discovering the light switch covers at the NADA Houses. While we definitely missed some, below you will find photos of most of the ones we did see. The artist run, curatorial collective, Turn Onz – Detroit, was behind the idea of adorning the switch covers with art. You can read more about Turn Onz and the … Continue reading Light switch covers at NADA House 2021 on Governors Island, NY
The purpose of my trip to Governors Island was to see NADA House 2021. I’ve been attending NADA (New Art Dealers Alliance) shows at Art Basel in Miami for years and really believe in what they are doing. At a NADA show, I always find new artists to keep my eye on, and their venues are always cool. “The New Art Dealers Alliance (NADA) is … Continue reading NADA House 2021 on Governors Island, NY
After you have seen the Duke Riley mural at The Battery Maritime Building, take the ferry to Governors Island. There are two other ferries to the island, but I’ve only taken the ferry from Lower Manhattan. As you leave Manhattan behind, the quick ride to Governors Island is really pretty. The Staten Island Ferry terminal is right next door, and while I haven’t been to … Continue reading Shantell Martin on Governors Island, NY
My daughter and I went to Governors Island, where I was thrilled to discover a Rachel Whiteread house! Who knew?! “Rachel Whiteread’s installation Cabin continues the artist’s interest in producing evocative sculptures of negative spaces and structures. In this case, the artist has sited a concrete cast of the interior of a simple cabin, a place suggestive of retreat and introspection. Sitting modestly on the … Continue reading Rachel Whiteread on Governors Island, NY
Fully vaccinated, my husband and I flew to New York City for the first time since October of 2019. It was a thrill to get on a plane, travel to a city we both called home for 20 years, and finally get to see dear friends, family, and our daughter. My heart was full, getting to hug and kiss our daughter who we had not … Continue reading Sanford Biggers in New York, NY
I never truly understood the KAWS phenomenon. My friend Jayson, with whose art opinion I almost always agree, kept telling me about how Brian Donnelly (KAWS) is the guy to watch. I listened to an interview with Donnelly last year, but I still didn’t quite get it. I’ve paid attention to the prices KAWS’ work has been selling for, and the hype surrounding him. Well, … Continue reading A Week in Images (Quarantine Learning Report #7)
What a week! I have watched and participated in so many online classes and lectures the past year, yet somehow I still continue to find programs that I did not know about until now. Last week I came across a talk with Sheila Hicks. Little did I know this was Friedman Benda’s 100th Design in Dialogue talk! Design in Dialogue is an absolute treasure trove … Continue reading A Week in Images (Quarantine Learning Report #6)
As I await my second vaccine, I see a light at the end of the tunnel. I have planned a trip to NYC in May to see my daughter, friends and family. I have a long list of art to see as well. This week, I once again saw so many amazing art related things on line. I’m only sharing some, as it takes a … Continue reading A Week in Images (Quarantine Learning Report #5)
I sign up for, and attend, a lot of lectures and classes. Sometimes there will be one I look forward to even more than the rest. The Everson Museum hosted their 11th annual ceramics lecture this past week, and I simply could not wait. Grayson Perry was the featured artist, and while I could not imagine liking Perry more than I already did, his talk … Continue reading A Week in Images (Quarantine Learning Report #4)
This week I watched another Norton Lecture, the second of six virtual presentations by Laurie Anderson, recipient of the Charles Eliot Norton Professorship in Poetry at Harvard. I have to admit to having been totally mesmerized by her hour-long presentation. I just kept thinking wow, some people are just so talented and brilliant. Laurie also happens to be a close friend of my dear friend … Continue reading A Week in Images (Quarantine Learning Report #3)
I have been carefully and diligently sheltering in place this past year, so going out to a museum Sunday was a big deal for me. The Seattle Art Museum is a mid-sized museum and they have some wonderful pieces in their permanent collection. Seeing most of the work again was like getting back together with long lost friends, and a few new pieces felt like … Continue reading More from the Seattle Art Museum in Seattle, WA
Here are a few highlights from the past week of learning and discovery. Last Monday evening I attended a Zoom lecture with Maira Kalman. While I already knew her paintings and illustrations are charming, it was hearing Kalman talk about her work and life that made me want to be her new best friend. She is sharp and talented. If you don’t know about Kalman, … Continue reading A Week in Images (Quarantine Learning Report #2)
Since the beginning of quarantine, I have been attending a bunch of terrific online lectures from all across the country. In just the past month or so I’ve had the pleasure of hearing live talks by a list of artists that includes Theaster Gates, Edmund de Waal, Peter Pincus, Syd Carpenter, Ghada Amer, Kathy Butterly, LaToya Ruby Frazier, and Glenn Ligon (with Hilton Als) to name just a few. Continue reading A Week in Images (Quarantine Learning Report #1)
I absolutely love art books. I buy exhibition catalogs after almost every show I see. They are my souvenirs, and I look at them over and over again. This past year I’ve been trying to keep up with the books for shows that I have missed, or still hope to see. Here are thirteen, some I’ve purchased, some I still want, in no particular order. … Continue reading Thirteen Great Art Books
Happy Birthday to Beatrice Wood (March 3, 1893-March 12, 1996) one of my top five favorite artists! I am such a fangirl that I just got off a two hour Zoom birthday celebration event tonight at The Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts, which is in Ojai, CA. So fun to hear stories about Beatrice from friends, colleagues and admirers of all ages, from all … Continue reading Beatrice Wood
I spent the weekend taking a participatory Zoom workshop with ceramicist, educator, and installation artist Rebecca Hutchinson. I had not seen Rebecca’s work before, but have been taking lots of classes the past year through the ceramics program at the Office for the Arts at Harvard. If Kathy King, who is the Director of Education of the program and wonderful ceramicist and educator herself, has … Continue reading Rebecca Hutchinson (Quarantine Learning Report)
On his birthday, today I thought a lot about the fabulous Ken Price (February 16, 1935- February 24, 2012). Ken Price was an American artist best known for his small-scale ceramic sculptures which resembled biomorphic blobs, sliced geodes, and surreal teacups. Derived from Mexican-folk pottery, geology, erotic objects, and surf culture, Price’s influences were imaginative and eclectic. “You can see the whole piece and all … Continue reading Ken Price
It’s no secret that I adore everything about Judy Chicago. Twenty eight years ago today, when I named my daughter Theodora, I didn’t know much about Judy Chicago’s The Dinner Party, or the Empress Theodora. Read here to learn more about both. Turns out I could not have chosen a better name for my daughter. Continue reading Theodora
I met California artist Chris Donnelly more than 30 years ago in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He was in cosmetology school at the time. Everyone called him Batman, and everyone knew him. He had the coolest art collection of anyone I had ever met. He exuded cool. All these years later, he still cuts hair, and he still epitomizes cool. I continue to marvel at Chris’ … Continue reading Chris Donnelly
I really missed going to the art shows in Miami this past December. While I’ve spent hours on end looking at the shows on line, it is just not the same for me. I miss seeing the art in person, the thrill of discovery, people watching, and walking around shows from morning to night days on end until my feet ache. Design Miami always has … Continue reading Adam Silverman
It has been one year since I started Woman Seeking Art. My first post was on Viola Frey, whose show I had gone to see last Fall in Sonoma, California. While I did get to travel quite a bit to see art, it all came to a screeching halt in February of this year. A global pandemic was not exactly part of my original plan for an art/travel blog. Continue reading Thank you!
The inaugural issue of LIFE magazine was published on November 23, 1936. Dam at Fort Peck, Montana, by Margaret Bourke-White graced the cover. LIFE was a home for great artists like Bourke-White for over 60 years. Continue reading LIFE magazine’s first issue was published on November 23, 1936
Last month my friend Sharyn shared some of her gallery visits with us. This month we get to see a pop-up exhibition, Six Recent Paintings: Joseph Holtzman, that my daughter Theodora went to see last week in Manhattan. I can always count on her to show me something cool. Continue reading Vicarious gallery visits, New York, NY, visit #2
Whenever I have a chance to do so in person, I stop and look at art by Wayne Thiebaud. His work is immediately recognizable, whether it be cakes, bakery cases, lollipops, gumball machines, figures or landscapes. Today Thiebaud turns 100! Continue reading Wayne Thiebaud turns 100!
Admittedly, I have been remiss in sharing what I have been learning and seeing through all of the online classes and studio visits I’ve been taking since March. Along with my own studio practice, I’ve been a full time student. I hope you will enjoy a glimpse into some of what I’ve been seeing the past eight months, with much more learning to come. Continue reading Chitra Ganesh at Durham Press, Bucks County, PA (Quarantine Learning Report)
Today I reached a milestone on my Peloton bike, 300 rides and 80 strength workouts. The bike has been a godsend while sheltering in place. I went through many instructors until I found the one who has gotten me on the bike at minimum five times a week. I’ve been loyal ever since. Cody Rigsby is motivating, hilarious, opinionated and talks so much that the time goes quickly. He has that way that makes you want to make him proud by working hard, even though I don’t know him, and never ride live. Continue reading A glimpse into quarantine life
My NYC friend Sharyn took a break from sheltering in place and went to look at galleries for a few hours in Chelsea on Friday. I was absolutely green with envy and made her give me a full report. In recent years I have spent extended time in New York in October, and Sharyn and I love seeing art together. I miss our outings like … Continue reading Vicarious gallery visits, New York, NY
It is no secret that looking at art is my favorite activity, and the last time I walked into a gallery or museum was in February. Yesterday with my N95 mask snuggly in place I went into a gallery, and what a thrill it was. Humaira Abid is a contemporary artist who was born in Pakistan. Abid “picks up ordinary images from ordinary life and … Continue reading Humaira Abid and Anthony White in Seattle
I recently visited a sunflower farm, which made me think of the German artist Wolfgang Laib. I loved rewatching this wonderful Art 21 episode on him from 2014. Laib has been collecting pollen of various sorts, such as dandelion and hazelnut, since 1977. In 2013 the Museum of Modern Art held an exhibition of Laib’s work, including the extraordinary “Pollen from Hazelnut.” A room-size installation, … Continue reading Wolfgang Laib
The past four months I have been revisiting photos of art that I had seen prior to quarantine. I am comforted by the memories they provide me, and inspired to be looking at the art again. I cannot wait to get to see new shows again someday, but until then I plan to share some of the amazing art I saw prior to having started … Continue reading Klara Kuchta in Budapest, Hungary
I want to say hello and acknowledge that I have not been blogging for a while. Like all of you readers, I have of course been affected by sheltering in place during the pandemic. While you might think confinement at home would be a perfect opportunity to blog regularly, I’ve been selfishly using the time to focus on my own work as a maker, and … Continue reading I’m Back!
I was supposed to be in New York City a lot this April, and had a long list of art shows I planned to see on the first trip. Before every visit, I make a list. I organize it by neighborhood, plot out the days so that friends might join me, coordinate evening plans and fit everything in. Then I add on once I’m there. … Continue reading My week that didn’t happen, New York, NY
My last day in Toronto was a short one as I had a late afternoon flight to catch. I still had places I wanted to see on my list, and unfortunately had to postpone a few artist studio visits until my next trip. The day was grey and blustery, and a snowstorm was expected to hit the city pretty hard. Continue reading Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), Harbourfront Centre and the Distillery District, Toronto, Ontario (day three)
I started day two in Toronto by arriving at the Art Gallery of Ontario as soon as it opened. I was excited to see the Diane Arbus show, as I have always loved her photographs, and she was the topic of one of the art history lectures at a Seattle lecture series I’ve been attending this year. I had a renewed interest in her, and her work and even learned that her name is pronounced “Dionne.” I never knew that. Continue reading Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), and a few great neighborhoods, Toronto, Ontario (day two)
I got a chance to go to Toronto right before the Coronavirus outbreak, so I now feel especially fortunate to have been able to see so much. I had never been to Toronto before but, having enjoyed everywhere else I’d been to in Canada, I was excited to explore. I got an old fashioned paper map from the hotel and plotted out the two and … Continue reading The Gardiner Museum, Bata Shoe Museum and MOCA Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
In 2006 the Glenstone Foundation opened a not-for-profit modern and contemporary art museum in Potomac, Maryland. I spent a recent Sunday afternoon at Glenstone and was delighted that the weather was mild and sunny. The Pavilions, completed in late 2018, added 50,000 square feet for additional exhibition space. The 300 acres it is situated on is comprised of woodland trails to the outdoor sculptures, pavilions … Continue reading Glenstone in Potomac, MD
One of my favorite things about living in the Pacific Northwest is how easy it is to get to Palm Springs. I have really fallen for the desert, and I find a solid dose of Vitamin D helpful during the rainy and dark months in Seattle. If you plan ahead and can get reasonable fares directly into Palm Springs, it is the perfect weekend get … Continue reading Palm Springs, CA
My friend Janine is heading to Boston for a quick trip next month and over our favorite cocktails last week she asked me what art she should see when she is there. While Boston is full of good art, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and the Ware Collection of Blaschka Glass Models of Plants (or simply the ‘Glass Flowers’) at the Harvard Museum of Natural … Continue reading Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, MA and the “Glass Flowers” in Cambridge, MA
It’s unusual to get to see the exact same art show in two different cities, only months apart. I first saw “30 Americans” at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, this past summer. Then, right after Art Basel, in December, I went to Philadelphia and saw “30 Americans” again at The Barnes Foundation. It was fun and interesting to see the same work displayed at different venues. The traveling exhibition was conceived of and put on by the Rubell family, The exhibit was first on display at the Rubell Museum in Miami, FL and has been traveling for almost ten years, with only three more locations to go. Continue reading 30 Americans at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, MO and The Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia, PA
I had not been to the newly expanded San Francisco Museum of Modern Art since it reopened in May of 2016. I was impressed by its beautifully lit gallery spaces, overall size (170,000 square feet of exhibition space) and design. They have over 33,000 works of art in their permanent collection. I was hopeful that they would have one of the two paintings that they own by Bay Area artist Roland Petersen on view, but no such luck. I was enamored nevertheless. Continue reading The SF Museum of Modern Art and SFO Airport in San Francisco, CA
I used to stay at the hotel in Miami Beach in which NADA was held. It was easy to walk through multiple times, but the lighting was bad. NADA has always been a favorite show of mine as the art was cool, but the venue never felt right. That hotel was damaged in a hurricane and remains abandoned, and NADA is now housed at Ice Palace Studios. While a bit harder to get to, the venue is fitting for one of the must-see shows during Art Basel. Last year they had 134 exhibitors and approximately 15,000 visitors. They first launched the fair in 2003. I think this was the best year yet.
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As the Art Basel fairs have grown, I’ve gotten smarter, and have been staying longer. Even with that, it’s hard to fit everything in. This was my first time attending the Design Miami show, and it was the most beautiful of all of the art fairs. The galleries were obviously carefully selected and the booths were well-curated. Design Miami is not to be missed.
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I’m stepping away from the classic Art Basel fairs, to tie in the INK Miami Art Fair. Like Aqua, INK takes place at a Miami motel. The galleries are on the first floor, and many of the gallery owners stay on the second floor. The show has an open courtyard feel, and after all the years of tagging along with my brother and sister-in-law I’ve come to know the different galleries, owners, staff and the work they showcase. INK, on a whole, couldn’t be more welcoming… Continue reading INK Miami Art Fair in Miami Beach, FL
This is part three of my three-part post on Art Basel If you want to start at the beginning, here is part one and here is part two. Continue reading Part Three: Art Basel Miami Beach in Miami Beach, FL
