Gay and Lesbian Latino Art--Second is Better

I went to the second showing of ChimMaya Gallery's "Out and Out," which focuses on gay and lesbian Latino art.  Curator Steven Acevedo learned a lot from the first show, which I wrote about here. 

The Good Sodomite by Joey Terrill

There were some obvious differences that made this experience at ChimMaya much more enjoyable.  Last year, the work was literally annexed in another room, a small box with the art pieces crammed together.  The effect was overwhelming and dizzying.  This year, he used his main galleries with more wall space and aesthetic nuances.  It was a breathtaking experience, one that allowed me to take in a painting without being distracted by another piece inches above, below or neighboring it. 

For the most part, the work was strong with artist Hector Silva anchoring the show.  His pencil drawings still amaze me, and I kick myself for not buying his work years ago when he was showing work in specialty shops in Silverlake. 

Artists Joey Terrill, Tony de Carlo and Ariel Vargassal also made an impression.  Out-and-Out will be on view through July 24th. ChimMaya Gallery, 5283 East Beverly Blvd., LA CA, 90022 (Major Cross street is Atlantic).

Check it out:  http://www.chimmaya.com/

Framing

I worked particularly hard on this piece. The frame on it was wrecked. It was made of wood that someone picked apart. I went through the trouble to have it reframed--not a cheap task. I put a lovely aluminun frame on it, which gave it a modern look. It was a print by famed African American artist Varnette Honeywood. It deserved some respect. Fortunately, I found a buyer via ebay.

Buddha Lady

This is Lynn. She bought these framed batik Buddhas. She really went to great lengths to get them. She took public transportation to pick them up, then carried them back on the bus. I hope the Buddhas protected her on her journey.

The Art Of Ruth

I recently saved these paintings--dangerously stacked in a thriftstore. They're by an artist named Ruth Dennison. I looked her up and found a famous Buddhist teacher, known for being the first woman to lead an all woman Buddhist retreat in America. As a Buddhist I found this interesting. Alas, she wasn't the woman who painted these. Another Ruth, who recently passed, painted them. However, they both lived within close proximinity to me. The Buddhist Ruth lives in Joshua Tree, while the Painter Ruth lived in Oxnard.

How strange that two woman who share the same name and have the same interests as I do should occupy the same space. Something to think about.

DIY Repair? Think twice.

I thought this was an interesting article on Do-It-Yourself art repair. Maybe I'd try to remove a smudge from canvas with a bit of water, but I certainly didn't do what some of the folks in this article did. Read here.

How the World Works

This is Robin. She bought these Southeast Asian themed panels. I found them years ago. They had decorated my old apartment and my office space. It was time to have another person enjoy them.

It's funny how the world works. Robin wants to start a non-profit that's very similar to what I'm trying to do with Art Rescue. However, she wants to do it with furniture. She had great energy and wonderful style. She made my week!

Ikebana Vases

Years ago, I thought I had it in me do start doing Ikebana, Japanese flower arrangement. I found these beautiful vases to start with. Well, the most these vases did was serve as a place to keep spare change. I kept them because they are simply beautiful. I decided to let them go to someone who really understood their value.

Enter Kenneth. He collects these kind of vases! I'm glad someone could really appreciate them the way they should be appreciated.
I must say that this is the best part of doing this. When someone really digs a piece, when I can really see it in their eyes, well, that's beyond rewarding. That's just womderful!