I saw a terrific show this week, with work by my friend, Gwyneth Leech, one of the most generous and inspiring artists I know. She was working in her midtown studio, enjoying the light and the long sky view from her window when she looked down and saw a construction site where there had been a low rise building. She knew that meant the end of her beautiful view. What did she do? She started painting what she saw--the construction site, and painted the building as it rose. That was quite a few years ago and she's still painting the buildings that spring up all over town. She sets her easel on the street and so has attracted the attention of a whole new audience for art-contractors and construction workers.
You can see her work at GwynethLeech. Better yet, go see this show!
This is not the first time Gwyneth's art has taken a sharp turn with amazing results; about ten years ago she noticed that the cup her morning coffee came in was made of clean white cardboard and, like any artist who sees a white space as an invitation, she got to work. Every day she decorated her empty cup and saved it, eventually making an installation.
She's making art and saving the earth--raising awareness and spreading the joy of up-cycling.
Read about that in Boston Magazine Gwyneth Leech Draws on Coffee Cups, but here's a quote;
“I’m interested in where ideas come from,” says Leech. “That’s something that really engages me as an artist—thinking about that moment when a new gesture, a new idea, a new form starts to take place. For me, it’s been on a coffee cup for a few years.”
That was then, now it's buildings and construction. I can't wait to see what strikes Gwyneth next.
It's nice when you can admire the work and the artist. I've been working on a copy of this; Audubon's Reddish Egret, admiring his skill while regretting that I know he enslaved people.
Why am I copying, instead of making my own image? Well, there aren't a lot of egrets in the West Village. Also, I'm feeling a little burned by my last fantasy; it just didn't work, so I'm playing it safe for a moment.
I'm using much more water-y watercolor than I usually do--it's fun but it makes me nervous. Almost done here, I just need more foliage and a blue sky. Yes, this is a copy but I'm not trying to fool anybody--I don't think I'll be accused of forgery, do you?
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