Hacking Toys for Fun and Profit: An Interview with Nick Black

Nick Black is a top class tinkerer and we at ChicagoArts had the privilege of meeting him in his studio for a quick interview about what he does, and how he does it.

Nick will be joining me in the studio for ChicagoArts Live on Monday February 22nd for a live stream of a follow up interview in which you are invited to participate by asking questions or making comments about Nick and his work or the interview.

Sculptor Bill Boyce Talks With ChicagoArts

Bill Boyce is a sculptor and metal fabricator that has an uncanny sense of how things could go together. His work flows, and organically comes together so consistently beautiful that I would say it was remarkable. Bill will be joining me in the studio for ChicagoArts Live on Tuesday January 26th for a live stream of a follow up interview in which you are invited to participate by asking questions or making comments about Bill and his work or the interview.

Join us on Tuesday the 26th at 7:30pm here


Contact Bill on Facebook here or give him a call at 773-761-7845

If you know, or are, an artists that would like to be interviewed on ChicagoArts contact me through my website at http://www.martinjon.com

Tom Torluemke follow up interview

The Studio Visit Challenge for Artists

Yesterday I had the pleasure of doing a studio visit with artist Paul Sierra. I have admired Paul as an artist for over a decade, and we met for the first time just then. Other artist friends of mine have suggested I meet with Paul over the past year or so and, I am very glad I did.

Visiting an artist's studio who you, not only respect, but admire, is one way of understanding the work, you as an artist, are doing. Paul and I talked about both the art world and the art industry, two completely different beasts according to Paul. We also talked about death, marketing, accounting, painting and all sorts of shop topics. Paul is wonderful artists and I would encourage everyone to check out his work.


Besides all that, I would like to advocate the studio visit real quickly. Yes, social media does a lot for us, especially in terms of being able to communicate with people in our selected fields around the world, as well as in our local area. This does not take the place of a studio visit, nor does gallery openings, or coffee shop meetings. During a studio visit you talk trade secrets, you get personal, you open your mind to new ideas, and this is essential if you want to succeed. Nobody can predict an artist's path, but other artists have walked in the abyss as you are and if the artist's studios you visit are more accomplished than yourself, odds are, you will walk away learning a thing or two.

I challenge every artists who reads this to plan, and successfully complete, a studio visit with a local artist they admire. After your visit post your experience in the comments below. Good luck and spread the word.

Julia Katz at Addington Gallery

Addington Gallery has a great show opening tonight, Friday April 17th 2009. I suggest getting there early because Addington is not only a lover of art, but also of delicious food, both of which will be in attendance this evening.

Dan Addington loves paint, and he has a special place in his heart for the figure. That being said, within the Addington Gallery walls the paint, or whatever medium the artist uses, almost always trumps the subject matter. I must admit though, this new show featuring Julia Katz, makes me question if the paintings are more about paint, or the figures.

Julia Katz’s, Making a Splash, consists of paintings of beachgoers and inner-city summer water seekers, just in time, I would say. With the final chill in the air from winter, we need to see work like this. Reminding us how nice it is to feel the warmth of the sun on our face, and what it means to find relief in the water.

Julia’s work floats on the gallery walls offering you space and air as well as the warmth that escapes the surface, reminding you that summer is coming, and not a moment to soon. That oddly sounds to me like the paintings are about the subject matter, but wait; Julia is painting these with a thick and chunky style. Dinty Moore has got nothin’ on her. I stood in front of these, astounded that from three feet away the paint took over as it folded and clung to itself, but if I were to take a step back these works would glow and pulsate with light, warmth and air.

I would like to thank Julia Katz, whose work made me remember what summer felt like over twenty years ago.

Exhibition Opening Reception:
Friday, April 17, 5-8pm
Exhibition continues through June 3, 2009

ChicagoArts interview with ArtSlant Editor

ChicagoArts is always looking for great and interesting art, artists, collectors and performers to feature. So if you are creative in Chicago let me know.

New ChicagoArts Video

Okay, on with the show. I just posted another video interview for ChicagoArts and that is it up there. I had a great time talking with Justin about his ideas of art and music. If you have any comments on the video, Justin, or ChicagoArts leave them on this blog or YouTube. Justin and I will be sure to address them on the next ChicagoArts Live which is Monday March 9th at 7:30 PM on UStream.

If you enjoy Justin's work please check out his new web project Shiku Garu