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Tribe Report June 27, 2007Martin de Vore  "If all you told was turned to gold, if all you dreamed was new...." Looks like I may be in Houston on both Wednesday and Thursday. I plan on seeing a bunch of folks. And, I actually have a full tank of fuel! Santa Maria! One Minute Martinizing It's been awhile so you knew one of these was coming. A year ago at this time, the Tribe Report (June 23, 2006, edition) focused on the marketing of art -- the best way to sell it: galleries, open studios, Web sites or outdoor shows. We heard from gallery owners, artists, artists' agents and event promoters. It was an interesting discussion. Now, one year later, I have something to add. This summer is a busy one in Houston. There are many shows, large and small. It seems as though there is much more going on now than a year ago. And lately, I have been working with several different artists and gallery owners to help them secure print media coverage for their shows and events. What has become apparent is how woefully unprepared many artists are when it comes to aiding their own cause in marketing themselves. This is especially true when it comes to images. Print publications don't like "gray" pages -- pages of nothing but text. They like images. In our case, that means photos of art and photos of artists. When designing a page at a newspaper or magazine, it is almost an axiom that every article should have accompanying artwork. This is certainly true in the newspaper chain I work for and I'm certain it applies to our competitors as well. Yet, many of you reading this probably don't have any available images of yourself (or your art) that you can send at a moment's notice -- which is what you usually have to deal with when working with print media. Or, if you do, it might be unusable to the publications you are dealing with. This is actually a simple problem to solve. And, you (or your partner, minion or representative) can do it with only eight photographs:
That's all you really need although it's always better if you have more. As for the technical details, we in the media want high resolution, large images whenever we can get them. The minimum requirements are these: 300-dpi resolution and a minimium of 800 pixels (or 4 inches) in width. In color. In jpeg format. Images at 72-dpi that are an inch wide just don't cut it. Also, don't send photos with writing on them -- dates, captions, watermarks, etc. We probably won't use those either. When we are on deadline, there isn't a lot of time available to Photoshop out the writing. Especially if there's another article with art that meets the publication's requirements that can be used as is. If you can provide images with the required parameters to the publication that is covering you, your art or your event, you stand a substantially greater chance of getting your article used than those who don't meet those requirements. Believe me. I make those choices five days a week at work. Objections I have heard raised by artists include:
OK. I hear you. BUT, we are only talking eight photos. I have seen it done in 30 minutes or less. When it comes to not having a camera or being able to afford it, there are ways around that. Most of us who show at exhibitions, probably know at least one photographer who has been in a show with us or we know someone who knows one. Many of these photographers are in the same boat that we artists are in and can find a way to accommodate you to the satisfaction of both parties. Again, remember we're only talking eight photos. Some photographers may work only for their full fee. That's OK; that is their right -- it's their business, their source of income. Many of you can afford that, so that's not a problem for some of you. Many photographers charge a sliding scale -- based on the income of the person utilizing their services. That's generous of those photographers and it can really help an artist out. Some photographers will trade photo work for art or other sundry tasks. Some photographers will shoot you and your art for their portfolios and give you a CD of your images in return for your time. Other photographers may charge you full price but let you space out the payments -- either in cash or on plastic. In short, there are lots of ways to get photos done. But they must get done. Many artists are not interested in promoting themselves; their interest is in creating art. Fine. That's as it should be. But don't you want people to see what you have created? That's where your photos come in. If you are having a solo show, or are in a group show, your art has a better chance of being seen if people know about the event. If someone at a publication receives press releases about several events, such as YOUR event, the percentages are high that they will use the release that has the best accompanying art. That's not fair but that's how it is. You might be the best artist on the block in the best gallery in town but if your images are crappy you will probably not be in that issue unless your release is used as a heavily-edited hole-filler. As for not knowing any photographers.... well, maybe you don't. I guess it's possible. There are many in our tribal circles though. Here are a few that I have encountered. THIS IS NOT A RECOMMENDATION OF ANY PARTICULAR PHOTOGRAPHER -- just a few names to get you going. Talk to many. Ask questions. But stress the photos have to be at least 300-dpi, 800-pixel-wide, color, jpegs. Here's the names of a few photographers that frequent our circles: Matt Adams, Sergio Santos, Suzanne Banning, Angela LaMonte, Jaden Davis, Ankah Hagakore, Monica Kressman, Susan Goettsche, Edgar Guzman.... Ask around. I'm sure there are many many others around I don't know right here in our tribal areas. Oh well. Enough. If you have any questions about any of this, feel free to e-mail me or corner me at an art show. If you call me and I don't recognize your phone number I probably won't answer since I don't know whether or not you are a bill collector. But consider getting those eight photographs made. It will help people see your work. That about covers it. In the meantime, on to the show....! Martin notes Tribe Report correspondent Marie Weichman is still documenting her travels abroad on her Flickr account (http://www.flickr.com/photos/roaddog). Check out her photo buffet. Second call! An artist friend of many of us is STILL looking for new place to live, preferably in The Heights. She is STILL looking for a two-bedroom place, in the $600 range. If you know of anything she might consider, e-mail me at thetribereport@gmail.com and I'll STILL forward it to her. Come on...some of you have to know something in her price range.... Thanks! Send me an angel.... In a related vein, will someone please help Suzanne Banning get to China? Frequent flyer miles, cash, VISA, American Express, Mastercard, Euros, Quatloos.... anything will help! If it was a show with your work in it, wouldn't you want to be there for the opening? If you donate $1,000 or more, she'll give you a small piece of her work or do a special custom commission portrait of you. You can contact Suzanne through her Web site at http://www.suzannebanning.com . Anything coming up at Booker-Lowe Gallery or Heights Gallery? Karen and Heidi, let me know. Chip Hight has relocated! No, not to Cuba but to 6th Street/White Oak across the street from Onion Creek. Hight Cigar Company features hand-rolled cigars, art from several area artists and a visit with Chip himself! Go check it out. On the Horizon Light On July 4, Light descends from the heavens and takes up residence at Gallery M2 in The Heights. For the second annual themed show at Gallery M2, Light was again chosen. Not wanting to stifle the creative process, any vernacular of the theme of light could be explored and changing tenses and meaning was encouraged. Opening on Wednesday, July 4, Light is on exhibit through Sunday, July 29, with the reception for the artists set for Saturday, July 7, from 7-10 p.m. Out of 175 entries received, 65 works were chosen to represent the many talented artists in and around the Houston area. Artists whose work will be on view in Light include Juan Carlos Arredondo, Janette Arsement, Marcela Garcia Bonini, Blake Cordova, Ruben Coy, Kevin Cromwell, Sue Donaldson, Nathaniel Donnett, Ron Ferguson, Sandy Gardner, John Gardosik, Helena Gijsbers van Wijk, Margo Green, Jill Griffith, Jake Hellback, Vicki Hessemer, Margaret Howell, John Hyde, Jill Ivins, Ross Irwin, Jude Johnson, Harold Joiner, Mary Ann Lucas, Gracie Marks, Van McFarland, William Miller, Jacqui Morrison, Thuy Thi Cam Nguyen, Bob Pahika, Jenny Pascual, Melinda Patrick, Lindsay Peyton, Kevin Peterson, Ray Phillips, Jessica Plauche, Ebony Porter, Caryn Rock, Mark Roland, Adine Rotman, Leslie Roznovsky, B.H. Schamberger, Ezequiel Selis, Micah Simmons, Blakeley Smith, Dustin Smith, Richard Steele, Kelly Swinney, Michael Kahlil Taylor, Christian Waldron and Deasa Wexler. "As juror I must confess the task of choosing what to accept and what to reject was not an easy one," explains Gallery M2 owner Max "Maximilian Maximus" Boyd Harrison. "Much thought went into every work entered and I found it necessary to visit each work over a three-day period, so a wide range of styles, media, and concepts would be represented. The end result is a show that allows each of us a chance to examine creativity from many angles." According to Max, the chosen works reflect the theme on many levels and will give the viewer an opportunity to think about what is being presented with a new perspective. For more information about the Light show or other events, contact Gallery M2 at (713) 861-6070 or e-mail m2-houston@sbcglobal.net. Coniecturae Mysticae The G Spot is active! From Saturday, July 7, through Sunday, July 29, Ggallery presents Coniecturae Mysticae. No, don't ask me how to pronounce it. I tried to say it to myself and an imp appeared emitting sulfurous vapors. But, even though I can't pronounce it, I can tell you that Grace Megnet and Joyce Harlow have created work that is definitely worth the trip to the 300 block of 11th Street. The opening for this show will be on Saturday, July 7, from 6-9 p.m. For more information, check out the Ggallery Web site at http://www.ggalleryhouston.com or e-mail Wayne Gilbert at wayne@digimag.com. Or, you could call (713) 869-4770. Ggallery is located at 301 11th Street in The Heights. Caged Hearts Diana Atchetee is proud to announce the opening of her solo art exhibition, Caged Hearts, on July 7 at Gallery M2 in Houston. The exhibition will be on display from July 4-29, in conjunction with Gallery M2's second annual Light show. Caged Hearts features Atchetee’s most current work of contemporary mixed media on canvas. With the merging of realism, impressionism and surrealism, Atchetee’s art displays themes of nature, anatomy, religion, purity and innocence by casting human emotions, traits and habits onto nature and animals. Instructors and notable artists Atchetee has studied under include Jill Pankey, Melissa Grimes and Marc Burckhardt. Atchetee graduated from Texas State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in studio art with a specialization in painting. For more information about Atchetee, her art or her upcoming appearances, visit her Web site at http://www.dianaatchetee.com or e-mail diana_atchetee@yahoo.com. Gallery M2 is located at 325 W. 19th Street in The Heights in Houston. For more information about Caged Hearts, the Light show or other upcoming events, contact M2 Gallery at (713) 861-6070 or e-mail m2-houston@sbcglobal.net. Five Artists at The Bel Air Once the exclusive dominion of major institutions, fine art exhibitions featuring the work of museum-grade artists are increasingly held in non-traditional venues. Such is the case in Houston. On Friday, July 13, from 6-8 p.m., The Bel Air welcomes Five Artists at The Bel Air. Participating in this evening of art and culture at The Bel Air — one of Houston’s newest and most elegant highrise properties — are five of Houston’s premier artists: Ray Phillips, Allan Rodewald, Julia Koivumaa, Sergio Santos, and Navid Ghedami. appetizers and refreshments will be served at the reception; however, due to property policy, no alcoholic beverages can be provided. Visitors may feel free to bring their own favorite bottle of wine. The Bel Air is a 430-luxury apartment development located in the Montrose/Museum District of Houston. Envisioned to reshape the Allen Parkway buildingscape with a distinctive residential landmark, The Bel Air’s architecture is inspired by the grand resort hotels of the early 1900s. The 7.3-acre site is located on Allen Parkway, one of the primary routes into downtown Houston. Many of the homes will feature views of the Houston skyline, as well as Buffalo Bayou. The Bel Air is located at 2121 Allan Parkway, Houston, TX 77019. For more information, call (713) 529-7700. One Elder Street Gallery will host the One show on Saturday, July 21, from 7-10 p.m. Forty artists were invited to participate in this one-week show (on view through Saturday, July 28) displaying a single work of art to celebrate the convergence of Houston's diverse art communities. Those artists who have confirmed include: Marie Weichman, Dan Mitchell Allison, Anila Agha, Nathaniel Donnett, Ray Phillips, John Mercado, Max Boyd Harrison, Lilibeth Andre, Aimi Dunn, Allan Rodewald, David A. Brown, Sergio Santos, Bridgett Vallery, Dune-Micheli Patten, Lacey Crawford, Van McFarland, Keith J. R. Hollingsworth, Mitch Cohen, Lorena Fernandez, Shelly Shanks, Cintia Rico, Alex Wilhite, MaryAnn Lucas, Richard Varela, Jerrie Glidden, Susan Goettsche, Sorange Castillo, Stäcy Smith, Sarah Hazel, Julie Zarate, Xsemaj, Christian Perkins, Solomon Kane, Victoria Lewelling, William Panzer, Alissa Fereday, Dune Tencer, Heidi Powell-Prera, David Weaver, and Martin de Vore. You have seen their work in the past (and/or present) at such art venues as Redbud Gallery, Ggallery, DIG101 Gallery, Gallery M2, Sippora Gallery, Studio Gallery, Heights Gallery (Gallery 19), Eastman-Smith Gallery (Eastman Gallery), Square Moon Gallery, Winter Street, Garden of the Dragonfly, Mind Puddles, Bering and James, Earth Gallery, Watercolor Art Society-Houston, Lawndale Art Center, Art League of Houston, DaVinci Gallery, Galerie Mado Chalvet, Houston City Hall, Houston City Hall Annex, Bayou City Art Festival and many many others. Yep, one show, one week, one piece -- one Houston art community. The exhibition is free of charge, as is parking, and open to the public. Catering will be provided by Jeremy Seymour's excellent Acadianne Catering Co. and libations available will include wine, beer, soft drinks and water. Musical entertainment will be provided by guitarist/vocalist Danny Jones. For more information on the One show at Elder Street Gallery, visit the Web site at http://www.elderstreetartist.com/ or contact Terrence Boggs at (281) 250-4889 or via e-mail at terboggs@yahoo.com. Elder Street Gallery is located at 1101 Elder Street, (down Dart Street off Houston Ave.) in the Inner Corridor, near I-45 and I-10. Currently On View.... Jerry-Rigged Co-Op There's only three days left! Piotr Chizinski's Jerry-Rigged Co-Op is on display through July 1 at Redbud Gallery, located at 303 E. 11th St. in The Heights. Go see it now! Gallery hours are from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday or by appointment. For more information, please call Gus Kopriva at (713) 862-2532 or e-mail him at gakopriva@aol.com. Opposites Attract Opposites Attract is a show illustrating the result of what happens when divergent artists and styles converge to produce a unique artistic experience. Featuring two of Houston's most talented artists, Ray Phillips and Allan Rodewald, this exhibition is currently on display at Mind Puddles Gallery. Ray Phillips' artistic endeavors throughout his career are layered into his work and help the viewer become immersed in his paintings. The complexities and subtle nuances pull the individual around within the work and lead them on a journey of self-discovery. Ray's works are highly sought after and collectors around the country wait with anticipation for new works to be released. This is an excellent opportunity to become one of those collectors. American abstract painter and mural artist Allan Rodewald is a staple of the Houston art community. Described as an artist who is "stretching the boundaries of abstract art," Allan paints his highly-prized abstract art on canvas or aluminum sheet metal at his Expressive Design Studios. Works in progress are not mounted on frames, but are stretched taunt on his studio walls allowing Allan to move from one piece to the next as the inspiration comes. Both artists are constantly exploring new ways to push the artistic envelope. Come see for yourself at this must-see exhibition. Mind Puddles Gallery is located at 2305 Dunlavy. For more information about Mind Puddles' events, hours of operation or upcoming exhibitions, call (713) 529-6463 or check out the Web site at http://www.mindpuddles.com/. For more information about Ray Phillips, current projects at Phillips Art or future exhibitions, call (281) 974-5377 or visit the Web site at http://www.rayphillips.com. To learn more about Allan Rodewald or his Expressive Design Studios, visit his Web site at http://www.allanrodewald.com/ or call (713) 988-5570. Interruptions Only three days left on this one too...better go see it! Interruptions is a collaboration between John Painter and Tracy Silverberg comprised of photographic images and paintings concerning issues confronting individuals living and dying with HIV/AIDS. This is another one of those Gallery M2 exhibitions where gallery owners Max Boyd Harrison and Michael Kubis have stepped out of the box to present something a little different, something to make you think. Go check it out. Interruptions is on view at Gallery M2 through June 30. For more information, contact M2 Gallery at (713) 861-6070 or via e-mail at m2-houston@sbcglobal.net. M2 Gallery is located at 325 W. 19th Street in The Heights in Houston. Tjukurrpa Currently on view at Booker-Lowe Gallery through Thursday, July 12, is Tjukurrpa: Aboriginal Paintings of the Dreamtime. The exhibit showcases new works from Ikuntji. Ikuntji, the land “where the creeks cross,” is nestled within Australia’s spectacular West MacDonnell mountains. The colors of the landscape evolve with the changing light – pastel sunrises fade to white-hot afternoons punctuated with bright green grasses and vivid wildflowers. The coral sun sets dramatically against cerulean skies and purple-tinged peaks. Here, in a small tin building with a paint-spattered concrete floor, women artists gather to translate the color-drenched landscape and their ancient Dreamings, or creation myths, into abstract paintings collected by contemporary art lovers worldwide. Among the “stars” from Ikuntji are Anmanari Napanangka, Molly Napaltjarri Jugadai, Linda Napurulla Ngitjanka, Eunice Napanangka Jack, Tilly Napaltjarri, Daisy Napaltjarri Jugadai, and Alice Nampitjinpa. All are masters of color and pattern, as well as custodians of important Dreamings from their ancestral country, and Booker-Lowe Gallery is pleased to present this collection of their new work. Additionally, Booker-Lowe Gallery is featuring a special mini-exhibition of new abstract paintings by Barbara Weir Petyarre. For more information, contact Karen Rezai at (713) 880-1541, e-mail bookerlowegalleryart@houston.rr.com or visit the Web site at http://www.bookerlowegallery.com. Booker-Lowe Gallery is located at 4623 Feagan Street in Houston. Tribal Drums The drums have slowed to that of a heartbeat from one of the Zombies of Mora Tau! From Keith J.R. Hollingsworth: I heard that there is an interestingly good show over at Fine Silver Gallery - some sort of 3-D installation piece. Cheers! From Alissa Fereday: I don't send things out very often, but this is something cool to share with my art friends, makes me want to paint with music - NOW! You will NEVER guess... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIJtKxdRQzY Do you have something you'd like to send along? If so, get out those digital drums and e-mail me at: thetribereport@gmail.com. Tribal Drums To The 21st Power These messages are definitely worth multiple hearings....
Coda Remember, I am not Derek Acorah, so if you have a show or event coming up that you want me to mention, you have to send it to me at: thetribereport@gmail.com. That's it for now. Until then, keep creating art, viewing art, buying art and supporting your fellow artists of all tribes. Martin L. de Vore is an artist and journalist once again living in Humble. Martin is a member of the Artists At Large and Post-Diversionist tribes and has just discovered that consuming too much oatmeal and root beer doesn't really solve any problems after all. |
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