Card art by Edith Lebeau
To help celebrate March – Women’s History Month and the feminine eye, Eclectix has just released their new issue, “Pretty In Pink”. All female artists and related posts. The pretty, the pink and the not-so-pretty or pink. Strong women’s art, new feminist visions and rockin’ chick works of surreal & contemporary artists. New related features all month long (and then some) on the Eclectix homepage and a great permanent online art exhibition.
Korin Faught
Posted in Eclectix, Political, Surrealism
Tagged feminist art, surreal women artists, women's art, women's day art, women's history month art
Genevive Zacconi
“ When I’m creating, it’s not my objective to make an image that appeals to the largest demographic possible. I can’t please everyone and I just try to express myself in an honest way, no matter how it could be received or opposed by some.”
Fade Out - Genevive Zacconi
Genevive has a new solo show coming up December 10th at Last Rites Gallery in New York. She has worked both sides of the art world – as an astounding painter as well as a curator. Many of her works are strong statements on the roles women play or are forced to play in our society, having the guts to portray the reality of the female form. She shares some thoughts on her works, background and experiences with Eclectix.
Genevive Zacconi
Can you tell us where you were born and a little history about your childhood? I was born in Philadelphia. Growing up, I went to Catholic school. I lived far from the school I attended, so didn’t have many friends in my area, and consequentially spent much of my time alone and drawing. My mother worked in the medical industry and my father was an artist (of sorts), so I was lucky in that I was encouraged to think in both analytical and creative ways.
The Good Fight - Genevive Zacconi
How did Catholic school influence you? I think it goes without saying that all religions are a little weird, but Catholicism in particularly is a strange. It’s extremely fetishistic, glorifies pain & suffering, and employs a lot of downright bizarre imagery. Often times I can tell just from an artist’s work that they’ve grown up Catholic; perhaps, even now, I still carry that aesthetic in my own art.
What inspired/prompted the vision/image for the most recent piece you completed? I have several new paintings that I’m working on right now, but the last one I’ve actually completed is called “Illusions of Grandeur” (above). In a way, it’s a follow up to my painting “Delusions of Candor” (below). This one is inspired by the masks women wear and the illusions we employ when it comes to cosmetics (also surgery, photography, etc)- disguising parts of ourselves deemed unattractive.
If there was an artist, dead or alive, that you could spend 24 hours with; who would it be and what would you do? This is a really difficult question. There are so many artists whom I’d love to get to spend time with and experience as people. But I’d probably most benefit from a 24 hour painting lesson with someone like Ingres or Caravaggio.
What materials, specific brand of paint/glue/pencil do you prefer to use? A favorite? And why? I paint in oils but I don’t use any specific brand for my colors, it really varies dependent on where I’m shopping for supplies and what colors I’m getting. Although, Pearl makes a sable fan brush that I love. I don’t usually use their brand for anything else, but adore that brush for blending… I’ve went through a few of them and actually prefer it to some of the more expensive fan and mop brushes that I own.
Is there a technique, procedure or tip that you have discovered, you could pass onto other artists? I wouldn’t advise anyone to pick up my painting procedure- it’s long and tedious, and I’m probably doing a lot of pointless steps. But hmmm… a tip on something that I’m currently using? Well, my current crush is Naples Yellow. I use it to lighten a lot of my warmer toned colors (also sometimes just as a straight warm highlight). I avoid using white to lighten, as it desaturates color, so I’ve found this to be a really nice pigment for mixing purposes.
Objective Observation- Genevive Zacconi
What is your favorite word? Last song you chose to listen to? “Miniature”- it’s my nickname for my dog, Raven (she’s 6lbs, so it fits). And “Lovely Creature” by Nick Cave happens to be playing on my iTunes as I’m writing this.
Oops I Did It Again - Genevive Zacconi
If you could pick one piece of art to own, out of the world’s museums, personal collections and galleries, what would it be? Wow, this is another tough question. It might make my brain explode to have to decide on one piece of art. I’ll just list three favorite paintings that first come to mind, although I’m even having a hard time keeping this list contained to just a few. And if you ask me at another time this list would probably be different. In no particular order: Virgin and Child Surrounded by Angels- Jean Fouquet (below), Without Hope- Frida Kahlo, Figure With Meat- Francis Bacon
Virgin and Child Surrounded by Angels by Jean Fouquet
Of all your works, what is your own personal favorite? At the moment, my favorite painting I’ve created is “Disillusion” (below). I’ve actually only explained this painting to the collector who bought it and a few close friends. It’s hard for me to put into words fully what my paintings mean to me, but I’ll try to briefly sum this one up here: The “Disillusion” painting is basically inspired by entering into a new situation, but being weary and distrustful due to previous experiences. The woman in the box has scars from prior jabs of the knife, and is afraid to get hit again; she has a ribbon tied around her ring finger to remember. The viewer gets to see beyond the “smoke and mirrors” of the circus act of the knife box… The title comes from being disillusioned in it’s literal context, but also suggests that by seeing into the box, you are losing the illusion that a magician performing this act would convey. However, I do have a few new paintings in the works that I think will rival this one as my personal favorite, both in content and aesthetic. We shall see!
Disillusion - Genevive Zacconi
As a woman in the arts, do you have any thoughts (good or bad) on how being a woman might have influenced your art or career? Nearly every major aspect of my life has affected my art, so obviously being a woman has as well. My work comes from a feminine viewpoint, so I’m sure this perspective in my paintings has influenced how people view them, and in turn, affected my career. I think we’re past the point where anyone would not work with someone strictly because they’re a woman; but perhaps because of the specific issues I’m addressing in my some of my work, resulting from my own experiences, there may be a few of my paintings that appeal less to males than to females. However, I’m sure there are also people who just don’t connect to my art because of issues other than gender. When I’m creating, it’s not my objective to make an image that appeals to the largest demographic possible. I can’t please everyone and I just try to express myself in an honest way, no matter how it could be received or opposed by some. So yes- I’m sure that being a woman has affected my art & career, just as everything else about me has.
At War - Genevive Zacconi
In your role as a curator- what is the most negative experience you’ve had? And the most positive? I suppose the most negative experience would be organizing a show where everyone involved is late with everything (or where things unexpectedly go wrong, last minute). You try to manage the situation as best as you can, and give reminders to artists about deadlines, but sometimes things are just beyond your realm of control. One of the biggest challenges is curating a large group show in which many artists are tardy with images and shipping art. It’s like trying to herd cats. The best aspect, however, is being able to orchestrate a good show. When you can find good homes for many works of art, the artists are happy with how their work was presented, and the exhibit is memorable- curating can be a very rewarding job.
Just Like The Others- Genevive Zacconi
Good Exposure - Genevive Zacconi
LINK to the current Eclectix website – art news & exhibit listings
(This entry was originally posted on 11/3/10 and transferred here – as we are discontinuing our other blog site)
Dean McDowell
“ When you experience or see things no child should, it really does manifest itself in the psyche. I certainly wouldn’t say it helped form who I have become but it does put a lot of crap into perspective …”
Rainy Day Blues - McDowell
Dean is an exceptional newbrow artist who has shown works with Eclectix in the past. His acrylic portraits have a wonderfully deep base of fleshy, thick textures and layered strokes, some hint of mummy wrappings. The images evoke emotion, red eyed from crying, some bruised and bloodied by life or it’s vampires, some lipstick smeared and hinting of violent encounters. They may have been victims, hardened by abuse; becoming cold and indifferent as a form of self-defense and survival. In spite of it all, beautiful and sensual colors bleed through, and a strong and silent resolve matures.
Dean McDowell
Can you tell us where you were born and a little history about your childhood? I was born in Gransha, a small town land near the Mourne mountains, Northern Ireland. The best word I can use to describe my childhood is mischief, I was pretty wild from an early age and growing up in a rural setting made adventures a standard occurrence. Being so isolated lead me to art early in my life, I loved nothing more than to sit and sketch something like a piece of rusted barbed wire hanging from a post.
Programmed - McDowell
Is there an event or experience that helped form who you are today? Simply living in Northern Ireland, growing up through the ‘troubles’ has given me a skewed perspective on life. When you experience or see things no child should, it really does manifest itself in the psyche. I certainly wouldn’t say it helped form who I have become but it does put a lot of crap into perspective, it gives me a grounding I will never lose. When people first discover my artwork they find the imagery can be dark but in all truthfulness, the work I have on show through either galleries or online, although personal, is by no means a dark window into my soul, it is merely my perspective on the emotions of others.
Mike Mignola’s "Hellboy"
What was first piece of art that you remember creating? The media? You know I wish I could remember but thinking back I was always doodling, mostly in pencil or charcoal. Actually my first really fond memory is getting an early taste for American comics, trying to copy the style or creating my own. A particular favourite? So many but when I really got serious about comics in the 80′s I always followed the work of Mike Mignola (above), from the pre Hellboy era right to present. I still check out the latest Mignola offerings, his style is so unique and beautifully bold. I simply remember being blown away by the artistic style of that era; this of course was before the UK fought back with the now legendary 2000AD series. So yeah, my early creations were heavily influenced by the comic genre.
BitterSweet - McDowell
What generally inspires you to create a piece? Life, it’s that simply. It inspires, depresses, anger’s me on a daily basis. Whether I’m simply watching people go about their daily routines or listening/watching the worlds ‘lifecasts’ though the media, you cannot help but to be inspired. Actually, I find most new paintings will constantly evolve as the inspiration pulls me in many differing directions. In fact, I am certain no one painting I have finished has ended how I imagined it would at the beginning.
The Lady of Shalott (1888) - John William Waterhouse
If there was an artist, dead or alive, that you could spend 24 hours with; who would it be and what would you do? God, that’s such a hard question to answer, there are so many wonderful artists past and present I would love to share thoughts with. One artist I studied in college was John William Waterhouse, I have always loved both his subject matter and artistic technique. (above) The first time I came across his works I was simply in awe, that hasn’t changed. Of those living in this modern age of art, I would say Mark Ryden (below), perhaps a very common choice but nonetheless his artwork has that otherworldly feel but screams out with a cultural voice. I’m sure he would be a very interesting man to spend some time around.
Mark Ryden
What materials, specific brand of paint/glue/pencil do you prefer to use? A favorite? And why? Nothing specific, anything that’s at hand is good although I must admit, the technique I have developed means I go through an extraordinary amount of paint brushes. If anyone has come across an extremely hard-wearing brush please let me know.
Savage Smile - McDowell
Is there a technique, procedure or tip that you have discovered, you could pass onto other artists? With my acrylic works I tend to use multiple layers to build texture and focus on low relief colours, once I am nearing completion of a work I will often water down the acrylics and use them as watercolours, this helps finishing tones and blends. Trail and error is the best method of finding a technique that is often unique to ones work.
(Click to see larger textures )- McDowell
Your works have killer thick and contrary under-textures, would you share how you build these and with what? When I first start a canvas I will do a preliminary sketch of what’s in my mind for a finished work, I shall then block in very basic bold colors that can be worked over and give that textured layered look. Generally all paintings are started with really heavy acrylic but as it progresses the paint gets watered and lighter until you get a near watercolor finish.
Monster - McDowell
What is your favorite word? Last song you chose to listen to? Favorite word – Cruthine – (An asteroid in orbit around the Sun) The last song I listened to, or am currently listening to as I write is “Black Bullet” by Die So Fluid.
Boreas (1902) - Waterhouse
If you could pick one piece of art to own, out of the world’s museums, personal collections and galleries, what would it be? Not being picky although I do have my favorites, any works of art by Waterhouse. (above) The works of Waterhouse have been a constant in my life, studying or simply admiring them I can’t help but to forever be awed by the mans work.
Dean McDowell
Of all your works, what is your own personal favorite? Actually I don’t have a favorite, every work I produce I feel I could have improved upon it. In all honestly I am my own worst critic, at times I’m not sure how I produce anything. Frustration is a good word to sum up my time spent in the studio, I constantly battle my inner doubts.
Disconnected - McDowell
What is the last piece you completed? What triggered the imagery in it? The last work completed was a painting for the “Twilight Journeys” show at the Alternative Cafe, the work is called ‘Disconnected’. (above) Its a 30x30cm painting on box canvas and the imagery is very much an emotive piece relating to grim emotions and how even being totally disconnected from everything around you, we as individuals cannot escape life’s ever presence.
Not Everyone Gets A Happy Ending - Dean McDowell
You recently became a father, right? How has that impacted your art? Any tips for new parents trying to keep up with their art? That is correct and what a wonderful if frightening time that was and of course is. It impacted my art to the extent that I have basically had to take an 18 month break from all things art, unrealistically I thought I’d be away from things for 3 maybe four months, how naive I was. The only tip I can give is to not have any shows lined up for at least a 12 month period, IF you don’t have the works already finished and of course, enjoy every minute…..
Dean McDowell
What was the last event/movie/art/anything that really moved you emotionally? I still haven’t gotten over the birth of my daughter, god I was so unprepared. More recently and on a stranger note, I have been studying the emotional instability of children’s authors. So many talented people wasting so much of their lives through insecurity and self doubt but when they did manage to gather enough emotional togetherness to achieve their goals the results were astounding.
Any last words or commentary; good or bad you would like to share or get off your chest? A favorite quote? Just a simply thank you for those who have taken an interest in my words and works, hearing comments or feedback good or bad is always meaningful and very much appreciated.
Be Absolute - McDowell
For more Dean - On FaceBook: click here.
Website: http://www.deanmcdowellartist.com/index.html
Contact: deanmcdowellartist@gmail.com
LINK to the current Eclectix website – art news & exhibit listings
(This entry was originally posted on 10/19/10 and transferred here – as we are discontinuing our other blog site)
Michelle at Eclectix, "The Warm and Fuzzy Show"
“ … I think an artist can never draw too much. Keep learning from looking at other artists, past and present and just experiencing life.”
Michelle's studio space
Can you tell us where you were born and a little history about your childhood? Born and raised into an artistic family in the San Fernando Valley. I was always restless there and knew that I’d leave when I got old enough because we’d go on vacations to beautiful places where there was more nature. My grandparents where social justice activists, also my grandfather was a painter and we made art together when I was little. Nature and the arts were valued in my family and both have influenced my life and art today.
Miss Antarctica - Michelle Waters
Is there an event or experience that helped form who you are today? There isn’t one experience that sticks out. As a child some of my happiest times were making art with my grandfather and older sister, Working directly with animals has helped form me (I’ve worked as a volunteer wildlife rehabilitator and much of my art depicts wildlife, but in a twisted manner). Also doing environmental activism has definitely helped form me and my art. Before these adult experiences I would say just being out in nature, hiking and spending time in wilderness have been big influences.
Sister Bucky - Michelle Waters
What was the first piece of art that you remember creating? The media? Well it wasn’t a permanent piece of art, but I remember coloring on the stairs of a vacation rental and my mom getting upset with me. I was 2. The media was Crayola crayons.
Cornelius Rex - Michelle Waters
What generally inspires you to create a piece? It depends on the piece. I collect magazines and photos, and sometimes a funny photo of an animal will inspire a piece. For my political environmental pieces it is usually some situation that I find outrageous that inspires me to create. And sometimes it’s a little of both. Also, my husband has a sense of humor that is similarly bizarre as mine, and he eggs me on. Sometimes an idea for a piece will come out of a ridiculous conversation that we are having where both of us are trying to out-do each other in outrageousness.
If there was an artist, dead or alive, that you could spend 24 hours with; who would it be and what would you do? That would have to be Remedios Varo. (below) Her art is fascinating and I would love to gab with her about metaphysics and maybe play surrealist games with her and Leonora Carrington. And hear about how it was being a woman in the circle of surrealists she hung with. She had a fascinating life; she was one of the artists who had to flee Europe during WWII. She ended up spending the rest of her life in Mexico City .
Remedios Varo
If you’d let me pick one more artist it would be Leonor Fini, (below) - another surrealist painter. There was a fantastic retrospective of her work in SF earlier this year. These pioneering women surrealists made amazing art.
Leonor Fini
What materials, specific brand of glass/tools, do you prefer to use? A favorite? And why? I use acrylics, generally Golden brand. Love their gloss medium and varnish. I started out in college using oils but I can’t handle the fumes…they give me headaches. So I’ve learned to love acrylics, and for the way I paint they work really well.
Padre Conejo Regrets His Vow of Celibacy - Michelle Waters
Is there a technique, procedure or tip that you have discovered, you could pass onto other artists? A specific tidbit of craft, advice or mechanical expertise? I love my wet palette. It’s completely transformed my acrylic technique because the paint stays wet. Now I can’t imagine working without it. In terms of craft I think an artist can never draw too much. Keep learning from looking at other artists, past and present and just experiencing life. So much of what influences my art is just my life experiences and getting out and seeing the world. And have a knowledge of art history. That is invaluable.
What's For Dinner? - Michelle Waters
What is your favorite word? Last song you chose to listen to? My favorite word is “blatherskite”. Isn’t it great? It means an irritating person. Last song was “Excuse Me Mr.” by Ben Harper, the live version. Great song.
Who Are You? - Michelle Waters
If you could pick one piece of art to own, out of the world’s museums, personal collections and galleries, what would it be? I only get to pick one? Darn. Okay, I guess it would have to be Bosch’s - “Garden of Earthly Delights” . (below) … I want all the panels!
Bosch’s “Garden of Earthly Delights”
Of all your works, what is your own personal favorite? What was the thought or vision behind the work and why is it your favorite? My painting “Luddites”. (below) It is my fantasy of what animals might do if they had opposable thumbs. I like the narrative quality of the painting and it has quite a few elements that are interesting, like a cougar using an acetylene torch and raccoons carrying off one of the tires. It was fun to think of new animals to add and activities to have them engaged in.
Want More? Click here for Michelle’s website
Octopussy - Michelle Waters
LINK to the current Eclectix website – art news & exhibit listings
(This entry was originally posted on 9/23/10 and transferred here – as we are discontinuing our other blog site)
