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Monday, September 14, 2009

Mysterious Ray Donley

In January 2009, while on vacation, I decided to tour galleries on West 6th street in Austin. My first destination was the Russell Collection. I ran into originals of Mark Chagall the moment I entered the gallery. Impressed, I asked the gallery attendant to show me the works of local artists if any represented in the gallery. Ray Donley was the only Austin-based artist shown at the gallery at that point.

We met with Ray at the famous Driskill Bar on the 6ths street. Even if you have no idea what Ray does for a living, you’ll immediately sense his artistic nature. Ray always wears striped vest, black suit and a black hat. He likes to stop by Driskill Bar after a long working day to enjoy a glass of Guiness. He told me he works about twelve hour a day and treats the process of art making as a full-time job and a serious enterprise.

Nowadays, Ray’s work is on demand; galleries across the world compete for his art. His work was featured in the American Arts Quarterly magazine and his work is present in the galleries in the USA, England and Mexico.

Yet, it took years to get to the top. Ray told me about his first show with laughter, “It was in New Orleans in 1994, and it was a disaster – a couple gay guys showed up and talked all night long.” Then, he added, “But you have that feeling that your work is recognized.”

In our conversation, Ray emphasized that it is very important to have a message in your work. Artist needs to communicate something in his or her work. “I always wanted to say something about human condition. Anybody can communicate with another image of a human face.”

Even though, Ray lives in Texas, he refuses to paint bluebonnets and country landscapes. He says, “My art was always European. I want to create a cult audience who wants to own my art not for speculation but who really appreciates it.”

Ray also gave an advice to aspiring artists: “The longer you’ve been around, the better your artwork because you refine your imagery and sense of expression. Usually one’s latest work is better than twenty years ago.” He advised emerging artists to take small steps and increase prices as they gain recognition. “It is important to be consistent with your pricing strategy: price points should be equal across all galleries where your art is present, and, of course, your early collectors want to see appreciation of your art over the years.”

Monday, August 17, 2009

Inconceivable Angeliska Polacheck

This is amazing how Spider-Life spins its weirdest web of human connections and coincidences!

You can go to the networking events, vigorously attend museums, exhibitions and charity events and yet don’t find more or less interesting people you’d enjoy talking to for more than five minutes. And then BAM! You meet someone special at the most unexpected place. For example, at the restroom. That’s how I met Angeliska Polacheck, a wonderful artist and a beautiful woman, who turns a daily life into a pure magic.

It was Ray Donley’s art opening at the Russell Collection: people were passing by with arrogant look, emanating pomposity. Ray was running late and while I was waiting for him to congratulate with a wonderful show, I sneaked to the restroom to fix my lipstick. Angeliska was already there, and she asked if I have a safety pin to repair her zipper. It was an immediate click. First of all, both of us looked different from the rest of the crowd. While I was wearing a silk evening dress with green jewelry, she was dressed up in black & creamy white striped costume with a beautiful rosette in her hair. I wish I had a picture from that evening! And secondly, I think any artistic soul will always spot out another artist within a mile. I met Amelia at that event later on, but it is a story for another blog post.

Sometimes I think that Alice left her Wonderland and reincarnated in Angeliska. What I know for sure is that Angel (that’s how friends call her) has an ability to create a fairy tale everywhere. Together with her friends, she started Gadjo Disco parties a several years ago. She moved back to Austin from New Orleans after hurricane Katrina, and became an avid contributor to the piggy bank of Austin Weirdness. Gadjo Disco, vintage parties and extravagant parades is a short list of events where Angel likes to dwell. I heard from our mutual friend that Angel is a great visual artist as well. She hasn’t shown me her paintings yet, and I guess my best discoveries of Angel’s creativity are still to come.

Friday, August 7, 2009

Andy Dooley is coming to Austin!

Andy Dooley, a co-creator of TUT (Totally Unique Thoughts) and a brother of Mike Dooley (“the Secret”) is coming to Austin! Andy is a great comedian and inspirational artist. He is the self proclaimed, "Picasso of Inspirational Art."

He will deliver two different programs: How To Change Your Life Forever In 90 Minutes - a "Spiritual Comedy" and Reclaiming Your Divinity - a day-long workshop to get us back in life's groove!

August 14th, 2009: "Spiritual Comedy"
Friday: 7:30pm - 9:30pm
Cost: $25 in advance (kids ages 8-15: $10)

August 15th, 2009: "Reclaiming Your Divinity"
Saturday workshop: 10:00am - 5:00pm
Cost: $89 in advance

Location: Holiday Inn Austin - Town Lake. 20 North IH-35. Austin, TX 78701 .

For more details, click here.

Saturday, August 1, 2009

How I met Chris Levack

I saw a video featuring Chris Levack on the News 8 Austin by a complete accident. I lived happily without a TV set for almost three years, and it has been the most peaceful and tranquil time in my life. I am a firm believer that news, penetrated with the stories of murders, crimes and disasters, ruin our piece and distort the perception of reality. Nevertheless, I was destined to see that news block since it was the first video that popped up on youtube when I typed “austin artist.”

We met with Chris on Wednesday, July 29th. He greeted me with a cheerful smile and open arms at his studio, filled with machinery, tools, metal and wood. Chris Levack is Austin-based artist who created the Pollen Grain and Wigwam sculptures for the Mullen Park in Austin. Lately he was commissioned by the City of Austin to design a public art piece for the skating park. “Of course I always had a dream to leave landmarks, and it is just a beginning,” said Chris. He showed me the skeleton of a giant steel Wave sculpture that he is making for Austin skaters. Even though I never skated in my entire life, I am looking forward to take a slide on this Wave when the sculpture will be installed at the House Park Skate Plaza.

Chris said it took him more than 15 years to get his first piece commissioned by the Panel of Art in Public Places Program. His advice to the young artists craving for recognition and fame: “You can start with smaller gigs first, then work your way along - get your teeth cut.”

To learn more about Chris Levack and his art, go to www.texassculpture.com