New Paintings by Marc Burckhardt

Austin, Texas painter Marc Burckhardt premieres thirteen “New Paintings,” at Gallery Shoal Creek on 11/11/11. Marc Burckhardt lives on both sides of the equivocal art fence balancing fine art with commercial illustration. “Does this really matter?”

“Not really, as the artist is always an artist, and great artists blur scholarly points of view with a painted fervor that reveals thought-provoking visuals.” Marc Burckhardt is one of those artists. Marc has earned gold medals from the Society of Illustrators (NY) for thought-provoking, high-quality and memorable pieces. His work is rich with tradition often revealing work that is influenced by Dutch and Flemish painters from the 16^th century on. (Above, Bridle, 30x22").

A great collaborator, Marc is a featured friend in 15 years worth of Murphy Design projects (Dialogue, Heaven and Hell), as well as curated exhibitions, (Green, Survey Select, Lucid Dreams, Art Basel week in Miami). Fortunately, I caught up with Marc Burckhardt to share a moment before his new exhibit:

mM : What are some of the themes in your most recent collection “New Paintings” opening Friday, November 11 at the Gallery Schoal Creek in Austin, Texas :

MARC : My work has increasingly focused on allegory as a means of storytelling, with images that combine classical symbolism with personal narratives.

mM : Many of your paintings work in collaboration with each other, smaller pieces making up the whole. Please share some of the narrative you have visually articulated in “The Three Fates,” “Garden” and “Constellation.”

MARC : The “momento mori” theme of "Three Fates" and "Garden" incorporates classical symbolism with more personal visual language. In these and other works (like "Constellation" and "Fable") I've begun playing with the idea of mixing both archetypes and physical space to create a dialogue, so the relationship between one painting and another takes on a material presence as well as distinct meaning. (Above, The Three Fates, Acrylic and Oil on Wood Panel, 6.75x7.6" each panel).

mM : Recently, you exhibited “Kindred” in the “Lucid Dreams” exhibition. Do you have inspirational points from past art history that work their ways into your contemporary interpretations? Please explain. (Above, Kindred, acrylic and oil on panel, 10.5x12.5").

MARC : Absolutely. My background was in Art History and my studio is filled with stacks of books covering the periods I find most inspiring, from Byzantine iconography to early Italian and Flemish works through the Dutch masters. Their symbols and characters are like hieroglyphics to us now--some still a part of our cultural language, and others a lost mystery. I find inspiration in both the visual forms and their meanings, filtering and reinterpreting them through my own personal experience.

mM : What’s next for Marc Burckhardt?

MARC : I try to keep one foot in front of the other, which helps me avoid feeling overwhelmed by the distance ahead! I'm already working on new pieces for upcoming shows and have some speaking engagements coming up, too, as well as a retrospective in February at the Pennsylvania College of Art & Design. And as always, I continue working on commissioned pieces for a variety of clients. There's always something to keep me busy, which suits my temperament. (Above, Garden, acrylic and oil on wood panel, 6x6" each painting).

Thank you Marc Burckhardt for taking time out before your gallery show, “New Paintings,” at Gallery Shoal Creek in Austin, Texas November 11—December 3, 2011.

art ltd. Magazine Lucid Dreams Review

Lauren Buscemi of art ltd. magazine visited “Lucid Dreams” this summer. Proudly, Lauren wrote a great review that provides a glimpse into the diverse and eclectic mix of contemporaries featured in this thematic exhibition. (Souther Salazar, featured above). Read on...

San Diego

“Lucid Dreams” curated by Mark Murphy

Curated by San Diego-based designer/filmmaker/publisher MarkMurphy,“Lucid Dreams” features an eclectic mix of artists encompassing Pop-Surrealism, Folk Art, and graffiti. The common thread is Murphy’s appreciation for narrative and craftsmanship. Standouts are Jim Houser, Bonnie Marie Smith, Mark Todd, Esther Pearl Watson, and MeganWhitmarsh. LA-based Mark Todd and collaborator Esther Pearl Watson are part of a wave of urban bohemians bringing a DIY aesthetic into the art world.

Like many of the artists who grew up in the 1970s, Todd is influenced by Star Wars, comics, and zines. Homage to Jack Kirby withMarvel’s Fantastic Four as backdrop, Todd’sDreamer (2011) illustrates a heavily-lidded male immersed in the world of comics. His deadpan expression conjures Todd’s portrait of author/filmmaker Miranda July created for McSweeney’s. (Mark Todd, pictured above).

Esther Pearl Watson’s Gas and Coke,(2011), a naïve folk-style painted collage depicts a family eating watermelon outside their car under the night sky. Including the text,“We ran out of gas and coke so we busted a watermelon on a rock for our supper… things work out,” it is a nostalgic work recapturing a nomadic childhood. (Esther Pearl Watson, featured above).

LA-based MeganWhitmarsh also grew up in the 1970s, and shares an affinity for Star Wars. Her tiny 6” square embroidery work 5Th Ray (2011) features her signature yeti waving to a princess/heroine. Intricately executed using bright thread, it skirts the line between tongue-in-cheek and reveling in innocence. (Megan Whitmarsh, featured above).

Philly-based Jim Houser has a presence in SoCal designing skate decks for Toy Machine. His illustrated painting Waylaid (2011) reflects his strong color palette and distinct minimal style. A flat-blue cartoon figure wearing sneakers sleeps cradling a red wine jug against a dark backdrop with a single night star. Knotted twine circles the canvas creating texture and evokes the sea. The overall aesthetic merges 1970s folk with contemporary skate design.

Kingston, NY-based Bonnie Marie Smith’s installation of 27 miniature earthenware and porcelain sculptures provides an interior world of fragmented doll parts reminiscent of Louise Bourgeois. These intricate works require close inspection where playful humor and a darker subtext can be discovered. (Bonnie Marie Smith, featured above).

“Lucid Dreams” invites viewers into the private imagination of artists who have proved successful at breaking down boundaries between design, subculture and the art world. Fantastical and humorous escape is offered. These worlds are pleasing to enter, but to reside there seems to risk holding on a little too tightly to youthful obsessions.

— LAUREN BUSCEMI —

Joel Nakamura’s Octopus Garden

Do you have a favorite mythological creature? Bigfoot? The Loch Ness Monster? Kraken? “Kraken?” Yes, the legendary Colossal Octopus that had the power to sink ships and wreak havoc on the seven seas.

Santa Fe based artist, Joel Nakamura has been a great friend and collaborator working on his personal mythology in books and exhibitions over the past eighteen years. Joel’s work is deep in narrative and a tribute to the great storytellers of old, Homer’s Odyssey, Jules Verne’s Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea and on…

Joel Nakamura’s latest painting collection, “Octopus Garden,” features brightly animated octopi on metal canvases on exhibit at the Hahn Ross Gallery in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

I caught up with Joel, as he hangs the show:

mM : What inspired your latest exhibition, “Octopus Garden?”

JOEL : I am exploring a subject that I started painting last year and felt that I still had much more to say about it. This series of work deals with Octopus made of a variety of eclectic materials— gummy candy, artichoke, lava Lamp, watermelon. . .

I have always been interested in the octopus, ever since viewing them close up at different aquariums. They are an interesting living form to paint—both simple and complex.

mM : Please identify one piece where you feel like it really captures the narrative of the show and describe?

JOEL : The piece, “Gummy Octopus,” (11x17," polymer/mixed media on metal), captures the unexpected gummy material and how it transforms the creature’s makeup into an unexpected form.

Have a great exhibit Joel Nakamura and thanks for taking time out. Joel will be on display at the Hahn Ross Gallery and was recently exhibited at “Lucid Dreams” in San Diego. More soon.

Dr. Charles Freeman and Lucid Dreams

Dr. Charles Freeman has lent his professional and medical expertise to add a scientific dimension to the exhibition, “Lucid Dreams.” Celebrating the Paris Salon, a tradition that featured emerging fine artists and critical writings. Often, the artists presented their work in parallel with academia, theatre, fashion and science. (Prime example: Pablo Picasso pictured above). Proudly, this tradition continues with Dr. Freeman, sleep psychologist, who has written a second installment to compliment “Lucid Dreams.”

Awe-inspiring artwork, music, literature, and theatrical vision have been created from artists’ dreams. In fact, purposefully dreaming and manipulating dreams through a conscious thought process can be an incredible and quite surreal way to use our imagination. Otherwise known as Lucid Dreaming, this conscious acknowledgement of bending reality within your dreams can help those who have a difficult time sleeping due to nightmares. (Esther Pearl Watson)

The treatment of nightmares can be addressed in many ways. Two popular methods include Lucid Dreaming (Dr. Stephen Laberge) and Positive Imagery Rehearsal (Dr. Barry Krakow). These pioneers in their fields addressed both sleeping and conscious methods of working with and treating nightmares. (Irene Hardwicke Olivieri)

Jungian Psychology, named after the renowned Swiss Psychiatrist, Dr. Carl Gustav Jung, has an additional methodological approach to a specific type of nightmare. Jung encouraged one to confront the “shadow” or repressed unacceptable emotions or urges through dream work. These non-psychopharmacological approaches can offer tremendous relief to those experiencing stress and lack of sleep because of nightmare episodes. (Tasha Rae Tatro)

Lucid Dreaming is loosely defined as the act of dreaming with a full awareness that you are in a dream state. Dream and sleep expert Stephen Laberge explains that the practice of Lucid Dreaming can have many intrinsic benefits. Since you are essentially training yourself to overcome everyday physics while in the dream state, your imagination and creative impulses are being dramatically stretched. Lucid Dreaming exercises create problem solving skills and increase confidence by taking control of sometimes-fearful situations in dreams. The practice of Lucid Dreaming can go hand in hand with other methods like Positive Imagery Rehearsal. (Megan Whitmarsh)

Dr. Barry Krakow became interested in sleep research while studying the side effects of sedating medications on sleep. In treating nightmares, he encourages the use of Imagery Rehearsal methods for patients while awake, where patients are instructed to rehearse a positive outcome such as being protected or armed against an attacker or the danger. This method leads to patient efficacy and empowerment to address the dream stressors while he/she is sleeping. In turn, waking anxiety, irritability, and angst due to poor sleep are diminished , and resiliency to stressors is enhanced. (L/Mark Todd and Florabella R/Jim Houser)

Another method of confronting dreams occurs in Jungian Psychology, which believes people have an ever-present “shadow side,” usually portraying anger, fantasies of harming another, misdirected sexual urges, etc. The dreamer is instructed by the Psychologist to turn and confront the threat and to engage the “shadow side” in dialogue. This understanding of the shadow’s wishes symbolically and structurally integrates the powerful previously repressed energies. This is an acceptance strategy, rather than feeling guilt/shame and labeling internal impulses as “bad.” Similar to Aboriginal Healers who teach their youth how to confront their enemies appearing in dreams, this technique has a positive impact on insomnia caused by nightmares. (Marc Bell)

Now that science recognizes the fact that stressors during nightmares or insomnia can be addressed both through conscious and unconscious methodologies, Sleep Psychologists have demonstrated that increased well-being can occur in 6-8 sessions without medication. Not only is it possible to challenge negative forces in dreams, we can actually stay within a dream, become conscious of weaknesses, and use it to expand on strengths for an improved quality of life. (Souther Salazar)

Dr. Charles Freeman, Ph.D., L.P. is a Holistic Behavioral Medicine and Sleep Psychologist who will be presenting this Friday, August 5 during the “Lucid Dreams” panel discussion. You can RSVP, learn more and visit “Lucid Dreams” at the Noel-Baza Fine Art Gallery curated by Mark Murphy. Read article No. 1 by Dr. Charles Freeman here. (Tasha Kusama, and all above images are featured in Lucid Dreams. Pablo Picasso is featured in the San Diego Fine Art Museum)

Tim Hussey Video Interview

Charleston, South Carolina fine artist Tim Hussey’s latest painting, “Adrift 3,” is showcased in the thematic exhibit “Lucid Dreams.” Tim’s paintings possess an organic structure that looks to bind organic materials with visual emotion in compliment to the finger painting style of J.M.W. Turner to the smudging and smearing application of paint as seen on Phillip Guston’s painted surfaces.

Tim Hussey’s paintings are emotionally articulated with layers of graphite, pigment and organic matter that emphasize figurative components captured just beneath the surface. And as the viewer gazes within, a new language emerges, revealing potential in visionary contemporary expressionism.

Tim Hussey : Drown Then Swim from Jewell&Ginnie on Vimeo.

Tim Hussey’s “Adrift 3” is currently on exhibit in “Lucid Dreams” in San Diego, CA.

Comic-Con Booth 4833—artist exclusives

Comic-Con 2011 is moments away, officially kicking off on Tuesday with the installation of a new booth with Mark Todd and Esther Pearl Watson, Friday Night Art Reception, tShirt exclusives, art contests and all around goodness. Booth 4833 will be displaying one-of-a-kind zines, books and originals. And knowing that there are many choices throughout the San Diego Convention Center and beyond, I thought to provide a breakdown.

+++Booth No. 4833+++

Where all the magic happens. Ten years in the making, Murphy Fine Art books continues to collaborate with emerging creative talent. This year is no exception, offering signed books by Jeff Soto, Ray Caesar, Tim Hussey, Mark Murphy and more.

Mark Todd and Esther Pearl Watson will be offering one-of-a-kind prints, zines and comic novelties. After all, they have been creating award winning comics together for two decades and ever since they learned to draw.

+++Lucid Dreams Comic-Con Reception, Friday, July 22, 6—10PM+++

“Lucid Dreams” features 32 fine artists from around the world representing a variety of artistic pursuits including: comics, folk, surrealistic and the avante-garde. Artists include Mark and Esther, Marc Bell, Marc Burckhardt, Irene Hardwicke Olivieri, Jonathan Viner, Kevin Paulsen and many more. Noel-Baza Fine Art Gallery in the heart of San Diego’s Little Italy will play host just minutes from the Convention Hall featuring great eats, drinks and nightlife. Sponsored by KANON organic vodka with guest thirst quencher Jarritos.

+++Comic-Con Exclusives+++

This year was a year for creative tShirt fashion. Ten years in the making, new tShirts will be offered at Comic-Con created by Mexcican designer Técui, Los Angeles based pervasive artist Gary Baseman and Brooklyn based fine artists Ryan Wallace and Joseph Hart. Screen Machine printed the goods and men’s and women’s sizes are available. Check ’em fast as they are sure to sell out quickly.

+++Framed Art Originals+++

Original art works, framed and prints will be made available in support of my earlier show “Plug Me.” Other-worldly creatures take an introspective look at worldly condition and jockey for survival. Stop by and take a look at over 50 original linoleum block prints, letterpress pieces and woodblock prints.

+++Lucid Dreams Gallery Hours+++

Yes, visual overload will be in full effect. Take a break from the ‘Con, enjoy an Italian soda or capuchino and head over to Noel-Baza Fine Art Gallery in Little Italy Wednesday through Sunday 12PM through 6PM each day with a Comic-Con reception on Friday from 6PM—10PM. Inspired work is available for your private art collection featuring 32 fine artists and over 70 original pieces. Florabella inspires with floral beauty, also a community sponsor.

+++O+ Positive Festival founder Kevin Paulsen+++

Saturday, July 23 please stop by Comic-Con Booth 4833 to learn more about the O+ Positive Festival created to assist creatives with healthcare and immediate health needs. Kevin Paulsen, from Kingston, NY has traveled to San Diego to share his vision, invite creatives to participate and join in. You can learn more here too.

+++Jarritos Flavor City Art Contest+++

Yes, there is information for an art contest available at Booth 4833 and it is open to all creatives who are looking for an opportunity to create an eye-catching work of art in any medium to express their flavo’ feelin’ of Jarritos. (You know that bold taste originated from the south of the border—lime, mandarin, mango and more. Check out the info here or stop by Booth 4833 and get the low down.

+++Community Goodness+++

I love Comic-Con and feel the need to represent. More and more folks that I meet from SD have yet to experience Comic-Con. Welcome to San Diego, a sleepy town that is happy to move you to the front of the line. Enjoy the town, enjoy the event and “put it in the bag!—Comic-Con.” “Oh yes! Stop by Booth 4833 and say hello! Mark, Esther, Natasha, Kevin, Jillian, Mark and Tasha want to say hey too. Plus we’ll sign some shizz.”

Dr. Charles R. Freeman’s Lucid Dreams

Art and the underlying themes in artwork, whether they are expressions of happiness and passion or nightmarish are generated by the unconscious. Vivid volatile emotions from the unconscious as reflected by dreams are often expressed by the artist in the manifestation of their piece. It’s not unusual to see art that reflects dream sequences.

The act of creating art may act as a catharsis for the artist going through negative emotions (e.g., anxiety, irritability, fear, stress, etc.) and blissful for those expressing joyful, ecstatic creation. Insomnia or disrupted sleep can lead to decreased well being. Implementing the use of non-drug therapies for sleep disorders, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), encourages holistic wellness. (Featured detail, Mark Todd)

Not to assume that all artists have sleeping issues, but many famous and tortured artists have had well documented angst and cognitive issues which in turn created magnificent works of art. Unfortunately, a large amount of the same stress that produces art can also cause serious health issues. Untreated insomnia and nightmares have a devastating impact on the economy. Stress caused by lack of sleep contributes to increased alcohol, drug abuse and prescription abuse. Those with insomnia have twice as many visits to medical providers than those who sleep restfully and absenteeism results in a great loss of productivity nationwide. (Featured details, Irene Hardwicke Olivieri)

In the last 23 years of practicing CBT with Insomnia patients, I have observed a strong relationship between a client’s dreams and their mood during the following day. Nightmares and dreams often represent aspects of strengths, fears and anxieties in day-to-day reality. In fact, the dreams and sleep quality have a huge impact on daily mood fluctuations. Sleep deprivation affects concentration, productivity and energy regulation throughout the day. (Featured details, Kevin Paulsen)

Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder among those that have issues with nighttime rest. 33% of American adults have difficulty with sleep. Of those, 50% of consider it serious. Many sleep physicians prescribe sedative hypnotics in order to treat insomnia. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has equivalent effectiveness to sedative hypnotics, and has sustained benefits over longer periods of time. (Featured details, Joel Nakamura)

In the instance when nightmares cause feelings of helplessness, victimization or loss of control, Positive Imagery Rehearsal is a strategy in which the therapist empowers the person to rehearse positive outcomes to counteract a nightmare so that it ends with the person feeling protected, safe and empowered. Cognitive restructuring is used to address Insomnia by changing irrational beliefs (assuming other’s intentions, magnifying mole hills into mountains, inflexible thinking, etc.) associated with negative emotions into rational thoughts. Through these strategies, anxiety is decreased along with irritability and depression. (Featured details, Bonnie Marie Smith)

Luckily, art can act as a therapy for many people in working through depression, anxiety or anger that is caused by non-restful sleep. Next time you see a disturbing piece of art, be thankful that the artist is working through their unconscious stress. If you don’t have a cathartic method such as art to help you work through an issue, Cognitive Behavioral Treatment of sleep may be beneficial rather than turning to prescription medication. (Featured details, Jorge Catoni)

about the author

Dr. Charles R. Freeman recently relocated from Minneapolis to San Diego and is a well-established Holistic Behavioral Medicine Psychologist. You can reach him at 619 405-7663.

All featured artwork are details featured in the exhibit “Lucid Dreams.” Related articles—Doug Tanoury Poetry (1/2/3) and Dialectic, PR, Open, Featured Artwork.

Comic-Con Booth 4833 Limited Edition T’s

San Diego Comic-Con is a great time each year. Murphy Art Books (Murphy Design), booth 4833 will feature one-of-a-kind T-Shirts by Gary Baseman, Joseph Hart, Ryan Wallace and Técui. Screen Machine is cranking on the t-shirts as we speak and I am preparing original block prints, framed art and high-quality books for the 4 day comic’s festival kicking off Wednesday, July 20 and running through Sunday, July 24.

This year, I will be sharing the booth with Mark Todd and Esther Pearl Watson who are creating original zines and art pieces. This once in a lifetime event will attract many artists from around the world and to celebrate—“Lucid Dreams” opening to Comic-Con on Friday, July 22 at 6PM moments away from the convention. So check it out, jump in and be a big part—sweet dancin!

Lucid Dreams Featured Art 07/08—08/09

Jonathan Viner

Hairpin

Oil on panel : 18x18” : 2011

“Lucid Dreams” curated by Mark Murphy, features 32 world-class fine artists from around the world. Now on exhibition in San Diego, CA, “Lucid Dreams” features 60 unique paintings, assemblages, sculptures and one-of-a-kind opportunities to add to your personal art collection.

“Lucid Dreams” is on exhibition now through August 9, 2011. Additional photography available upon request. Thank you for taking a closer look.

Marc Bell

We Are Not Connected To Snyder of Berlin

14x11x3/8" : Mixed media on board, 2011

Rorro Berjano

Elewa Oddara

30x30cms : Mixed media, 2011

Tim Biskup

Color Hole

Cel-Vinyl Acrylic on Masonite, 2011 : 11x14”

Ludovic Boulard Le Fur / Loubard

self portrait

45/45/15cm : acrylic on wood cut and assembled sculpture, 2011

Marc Burckhardt

Kindred

Acrylic & oil on wood panel : 12.5" x 10.5" image : 16" x 18" with frame, 2011

Victor Castillo

I am ready

Graphite on paper : 14x14 inch (18 x 18 inch with frame), 2011

Jorge Catoni

Trastorno

18x18” : 2011 : • SOLD

Mathieu Desjardins

Mixed Media

18x18” : 2011 : • SOLD

Rai Escalé

Wash Me Clean

15.35x15.74" : acrylic on collage mounted on wood, 2011

Jim Houser

Waylaid

Acrylic on Canvas : May, 2011-07-06

Tim Hussey

Adrift 3

graphite powder, acrylic, oil pastel, Galkyd on wood panel : 18x18" : 2011

Tasha Kusama

Sempre

mixed media on panel, 16x20” : 2011

Daniel Munóz “SAN”

untitled

13x14.5" : graphite on paper, 2010

Meggs

Out of Sight Out of Mind

36x36" : mixed media on wood panel

Joel Nakamura

Dreamy Octo

18x18" : 2011 : mixed media on metal panel

Billy Norby

Dawn

Oil on panel, 2011

Irene Hardwicke Olivieri

Rising Above Resistance

18" x 8.5" : Oil on Wood, Shaped board, 2011

Kevin Paulsen

Spoor of Man w/ Fireflies No. 1

18x18" : Pigment atop plaster on Velour mounted on panel, 2011

Kevin Paulsen

Spoor of Man w/ Fireflies No. 2

18x18" : Pigment atop plaster on Velour mounted on panel, 2011

Souther Salazar

"half asleep"

Acrylic, Ink & Collage on wood panel : 18" x 18" x 2 3/4" : 2011

Bonnie Marie Smith

"Heaven and Earth"

earthenware, porcelain, glazes, paints, gold leaf, found objects, 2011

27 pieces total : available as one collection

Matt Stallings

ICEE Storm

Acrylic on Wood : 16x16” : 2011 • SOLD

Tasha Rae Tatro

Wonderland

Hand-forged, sterling silver, antique time piece : 2011

Mark Todd

Dreamer

Cel Vinyl on Wood Panel : 18x18” : 2011

Marco Wagner

Heimat gerne

Mixed media on paper : 33x35cm, 2011

Esther Pearl Watson

Gas and Coke

Acrylic, Foil on Canvas : 18x18" : 2011

Megan Whitmarsh

5Th RAY

embroidery on fabric : 6"x6" : 2011

Marco Zamora

Building Blocks

ink and gouache on wood panel : 18x18 : • SOLD