Plugged In

Please forgive me as I seem to have become increasingly reliant on ArtKrush for my visual inspiration. The theme of light continues here, and from their latest report: Matthew McCaslin (center), Spencer Finch (top) and Leo Villareal.

Sherman and Kruger

Two of my favorite female artists are Cindy Sherman and Barbara Kruger. This Cindy Sherman self-portrait (left) is from the permanent collection at the Fort Worth Museum of Modern Art. There is very little else in Fort Worth Texas that elicits any pride on my part except the Kimball Art Musuem (below) where I spent many an afternoon as a teenager cutting class.

As for Barbara Kruger: well once in South Bend Indiana in 1990, I saw a classical image she created that memserized me by the deep way it dealt with identity and mirroring (two themes that continue to interest me). But alas I can not find the image to share here. Especially since Kruger has really come to fame over her more ad-like graphic/text works (above right). But perhaps we should skip ahead to her video work of more recent times - in this clip she sets up notions of consumption and selfhood for a PBS series.

Candyland

The work of Craig Kanarick, is clearly about an obsession with candy, but was chosen here for its use of the kind of bright colors that release the delicate yet delicious endorphins I adore.

Happiness

I’ve been curious about the notion of subjective well-being for a few years now. Perhaps because I imagine that if it can be measured, then it might be influenced. Just recently I saw this map of the world based on it. The map suggests I should high-tail it to Denmark rather than London. But maybe, just maybe, after I move to the UK this map will have to be revised.

So while we wait for a revised map in 2007, we can meditate on a few formulas for happiness. One is a little complicated. The other less so. I prefer simplicity myself.

By the way, in case you were wondering, this is an illustration by Jasper Wong that made me happy. Not sure what the formula behind that happiness is, but I'm open to suggestions. Maybe its something like: pink + pandas + hobos = a good laugh.

You Gotta Have Art

Top, an image of artist Nike Savvas putting the final touches on her art exhibit and below, a photograph by Bob Richardson published in the Photo Issue of Vice.

Madison Avenue Tell All

Until the time is right for me to write my Madison Avenue tell-all, I've decided to post this blog. The plan for now is to just toss in a few inspiring items here and there from my daily life. That way I can share little goodies with readers while collecting them in one place for myself. And of course, I reserve the right to change what this blog is about at any time. Hope you enjoy.