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Art

L A Art Show 2015

January 20, 2015 romicortier@yahoo.com Leave a comment

Gino Miles Sculpture 'Over, Under, Sideways, Down', Photo Romi Cortier — Gino Miles Sculpture ‘Over, Under, Sideways, Down’, Photo Romi Cortier

Unix Gallery New York, Photo Romi Cortier — ‘Ring pop’ by Desire Obtain Cherish – Married to Success, Unix Gallery, Photo Romi Cortier

Axiom Gallery, Photo Romi Cortier — Balancing Sumo by Irina Daylene, Photo Romi Cortier

Lollipop Production, Photo Romi Cortier — ‘Meltdown, 2014’ by Desire Obtain Cherish, Unix GAllery, Photo Romi Cortier

CakeWalk, Photo Romi Cortier — Cake Walk (?) by Scott Hove, Photo Romi Cortier

Kim on Ice, Photo Romi Cortier — ‘Always Kim’ from the series ‘Refrigerator Dictators’ by Eugnio Merino, UNIX Gallery, Photo Romi Cortier

Andy Warhol Sculpture, Photo Romi Cortier — Andy Warhol Sculpture by Kazuhiro Tsuji, Copro Gallery, Photo Romi Cortier

Salvador Dali Sculpture, Photo Romi Cortier — Salvador Dali Sculpture by Kazuhiro Tsuji, Copro Gallery, Photo Romi Cortier

The 2015 L A Art Show just wrapped up at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The tone of the show has continued to evolve over the years. It seems sculpture and contemporary art are the big players that are drawing, delighting, and even shocking the crowds. I can’t tell you how many people I saw during the opening night gala taking selfies with Dali, Warhol and Kim. The Warhol and Dali silicone sculptures were almost twice the size of a normal head, and as you can see by these images, remarkably lifelike. I’m sure all of these men would love being brought back from the grave in such a grandiose way… except Kim. He’s basically in what looks like a Coca-Cola branded Machine, forever on ice, as part of the artists series Refrigerator Dictators.

When I go to this particular art show I’m usually looking forward to seeing remarkable paintings that will both inform and inspire my own paintings. However, on this particular night, that didn’t happen. What inspired me to lift my camera were the sculptures seen above, along with a few really great Korean paintings. Unfortunately, so many of the paintings that I did see, didn’t seem well crafted, which in my mind translates to they won’t stand the test of time. Dare I say that to the gallery owner who represents those artists? I simply look at the artwork and pricing and make my mental notes. Usually that mental note is I wouldn’t spend MY money on that… but what do I know? So I look, and I ponder, and do my best to understand what I’m missing. I’m not immersed enough in the art world to know what the current thought is regarding contemporary painting. And to be honest with you, I’m quite bored by this entire Street Art scene, where anything that looks like it’s been made with cans of spray paint qualifies as art. I believe it will be recognized in the annals of art history as a bonafide art movement, however, I have absolutely no interest in collecting it. Give me true technique that requires the thoughtful and skilled process of applying layers and layers of oil paint to create an image, whether its abstract or representational. Or the skill required to apply layers of resin and then sand away bits of it to create an image. Spray paint or acrylic paint thrown on a canvas or board with a high sticker price simply doesn’t impress me… I think there’s a name for it: THE EMPEROR HAS NO CLOTHES!

These are the reasons we should all go to gallery exhibitions and museum exhibitions, to educate ourselves and form our own opinions. Once you’ve seen a few thousand paintings you start to know what resonates with you and whether or not you’d like to live with it. Does it take you someplace when you look at it? Are you exhilarated or depressed by it? Would you want the energy of that artist living in your home with you on a day to day basis, especially if money were no object?

The Palm Springs Fine Art Fair is coming up February 12 – 15 during Modernism Week 2015. My experience with that show in years past has always been very favorable. I could easily drop six figures on paintings at that show and not think twice about it. I wish I could afford to support the arts in that manor. The quality of the paintings at that show always inspire me. Lets hope this years show is more of the same.

Lastly I find it very interesting that artnet News, an online publication that I subscribe to, singled out six of the eight pieces I’ve featured above, as newsworthy to write about…. I must be on the right track.

Art, Decorative Arts

Coit Tower Murals in San Francisco

January 17, 2015 romicortier@yahoo.com 1 Comment

Coit Tower, San Francisco, Photo Romi Cortier

Mural at Coit Tower, San Francisco, Photo Romi Cortier

Plack at Coit Tower, San Francisco, Photo Romi Cortier — Plaque at Coit Tower, San Francisco, Photo Romi Cortier

I discovered the Coit Tower Murals in San Francisco by accident… I know, sounds weird, right.

It was Christmas Day of 2014 and I’d decided to have an anti-Christmas. Instead of spending time with my family, I opted for a road trip. It’s not that I don’t love my family, I do… no really, I do. It’s just that Christmas Day 2013 was spent in hospice caring for my mother who was losing her battle with lung cancer. It was a grueling holiday for all of us. So this year I decided not to put any pressure on myself, or my sisters, and simple travel where the wind took me. It was a day with absolutely no commitments to anyone, with the exception of dropping my boyfriend off at the San Francisco Airport at 6:30 a.m. I know it may sound selfish, but I wasn’t sure how much I could handle emotionally, and driving the empty streets of San Francisco was just what I needed. There’s so much beautiful architecture in the city, and I had a complete blast driving, discovering, and photographing what I found.

Towards the later part of the afternoon I found myself near Fisherman’s Wharf. I looked up the hill and saw the Coit Tower. How could I have not seen this before on previous visit’s to the City? I turned my car towards the tower, and wound my way to the top of Telegraph Hill. I easily nabbed a parking space in their very small parking lot at the base of the tower. It was a stellar cold and clear day, and the views from the grounds were breathtaking. I followed the other tourists towards the back of the building, snapping photos as I walked. I stepped around two tourists who’d stopped to photograph something. Then, as I looked back over my shoulder, I saw what they were looking at. It stopped me cold in my tracks. It was the most glorious orange and brown butterfly. You see, as my sisters were cleaning out our mom’s belongings last year, they were constantly discovering little glittery butterflies in her craft room cabinets and drawers. Thus, whenever they see a butterfly, they’re reminded of our mom. And here I was, standing on top of Telegraph Hill in San Francisco, with this exquisite butterfly. Try as I may to escape the memories of my previous Christmas, I was faced with this elegant little reminder of my mother. I snapped a few pics and sent them to my sisters… mom was with me.

Once around the back of the building, I looked through the locked glass doors and discovered the Murals of the Coit Tower. As I researched the murals for this article, I discovered that there were several more that I wasn’t able to see… 27 in all. Each created by a different on-site artist under the auspices of the Public Works of Art Project in 1933. The murals of the first floor (shown above) are about industry and commerce, depicting people grim with purpose trying to make their way amid the struggle and strife of the Great Depression.

The second floor murals have been largely hidden from the public for nearly 80 years, until recently. Having undergone intensive restoration, every effort is being made to give scheduled docent tours of 4-8 people at a time. The viewing area is extremely tight due to the narrow stairway that is only as wide as the tower itself. I hope that on my next visit to San Francisco, I can schedule one of these tours of the second floor murals. By the way, if you’re ever photographing something through a window, press your phone or camera right up to the glass, and you’ll avoid getting the reflective glare from the glass… you’re welcome.

Tourists at Coit Tower, San Francisco, Photo Romi Cortier

Butterfly at Coit Tower, San Francisco, Photo Romi Cortier

Art

Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics

January 6, 2015 romicortier@yahoo.com Leave a comment

LUSH Handmade Cosmetics, San Francisco, Photo Romi Cortier

LUSH Handmade Cosmetics, Photo Romi Cortier

LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics don’t fit into my traditional scope of writings on Art, Architecture, Interior Design or Window Display… unless you think of their yummy products as art. And in that case, they certainly qualify.

I recently discovered LUSH while visiting San Francisco. Sure they’re here in LA, but I didn’t know that until a few minutes ago when I sat down to write this post. This year I’d decided to take a holiday from the holidays, and spend my Christmas driving the streets of San Fran looking for fun things to photograph. I decided to start with Union Square since I was vaguely familiar with the area. I parked my car, and started walking the streets in search of great buildings. As I was walking up Powell Street I smelled something wonderful that stopped me in my tracks. I backed up… should I go in? It’s not art or architecture, but what the heck. This was a day dedicated to getting lost in the city and being open to whatever gifts were put in front of me.

Typically I’m the kind of guy who can’t tolerate fragrances as they trigger my allergies. But this place was divine. One of the sales associates spent a fair amount of time showing me products and educating me on their ingredients. Products with names like: Luxurious Creamy Fig Soap, Fabulous Fruity Mango-Mandarin, Meditative Patchouli Soap, Carmel and Honey Soap, Lime and Lavender Seaweed and Sea Salt Scrubber, Mushroom Jasmine and Ylang Ylang Soap… you get the picture.

I could’ve easily spent several hundred dollars in this store because so many of their items spoke to me… and my nose. Even though I didn’t spend a dime this time, I walked away feeling refreshed, invigorated, and intrigued. Having done some research on the company, I understand why I felt the way I did. They use whole, fresh ingredients from fresh fruits and vegetables, to essential oils and herb infusions… and yes, the occasional safe synthetics. They could go cheaper and use synthetic alternatives as opposed to fresh ingredients, but you wouldn’t have the same kind of product that affects you in such a positive way on a cellular level. That’s why my nose drew me into their store, it knew the difference. There’s an old adage, you get what you pay for. And with this company it’s a reduced carbon footprint, pure fresh ingredients, ethical buying from suppliers, reduced packaging and no animal testing. It’s truly the way of the future. I hope you’ll find a store near you and see if it’s right for you. I for one can’t wait to go back!

www.lushusa.com

Art, Decorative Arts, Interior Design

Curated Vintage at m[E]

December 5, 2014 romicortier@yahoo.com Leave a comment

m[E] Neon Art at material environment, Los Angeles, Photo Romi Cortier

Photography by Gregory Romeo at m[E], Los Angeles, Photo Romi Cortier

Gold Plated Film Reels at m[E], Los Angeles, Photo Romi Cortier

Vintage Chairs at m[E], Los Angeles, Photo Romi Cortier

Jimmy Achenbach Plexiglass Art at m[E], Los Angeles, Photo Romi Cortier

The curated vintage furniture, art and lighting at m[E] is nothing short of amazing. It’s no surprise that this little store on Beverly Boulevard and Gardner boasts 5 stars on yelp… how could it not. Store owner Ramon Delgado-Maynes is the renaissance man that creates the magic within it’s walls. With a background in architecture, art and interior design this gem of a space is clearly his passion. Nothing is mundane in this store. Pick up any item and Ramon can give you a complete rundown on it’s history. He’s a virtual encyclopedia of knowledge and is more than happy to share it with you.

I’ve visited this store countless times since it opened in 2009. I’m embarrassed to say that I haven’t bought anything substantial as of yet, but there’s plenty that I would love to have. And that’s what keeps me coming back… the possibilities. Besides the great conversation, it’s always exciting to see what new theme Ramon has put together. He rotates merchandise in and out of the store, brings in the work of new artists, as well as older artists, changes his color scheme on the walls, has art openings and social gatherings, as well as collections of furniture by the likes of Gio Ponti and Charles Hollis-Jones.

Currently on display is the photography of artist and former model Gregory Romeo, the Plexiglass and mirror works of Jimmy Achenbach featuring hand painted paper with minute and highly detailed cut-outs, and the petite works of artist Plastic God.

Visit m[E] here to learn more about upcoming shows and design services.

Art

Art Auction at Los Angeles Modern Auctions, October 12th, 2014.

October 3, 2014 romicortier@yahoo.com Leave a comment

Lot 224, Vapor Drawing, Larry Bell, 1978, Image Courtesy Los Angeles Modern Auctions

Lot 154, Cat Person #1, Fritz Scholder, 1978, Image Courtesy Los Angeles Modern Auctions

Lot 258, Phenomena Byron's Hunch, Paul Jenkins, 1978, Image Courtesy Los Angeles Modern Auctions — Lot 258, Phenomena Byron’s Hunch, Paul Jenkins, 1978, Image Courtesy Los Angeles Modern Auctions

Lot 407, Untitled, Edmond Kohn, 1950's, Image Courtesy Los Angeles Modern Auctions — Lot 407, Untitled, Edmond Kohn, 1950’s, Image Courtesy Los Angeles Modern Auctions

Lot 374, Balloon Dog (Blue) Jeff Koons, 1995, Image Courtesy Los Angeles Modern Auctions

Lot 524, Untitled (Boat) Raimonds Staprans, 1963, Image Courtesy Los Angeles Modern Auctions

Lot 362, #7, Karl Benjamin, 1986, Image Courtesy Los Angeles Modern Auctions

Lot 377, Platter, Takashi Murakami, 2007, Image Courtesy Los Angeles Modern Auctions

Lot 364, #18, Karl Benjamin, Image courtesy Los Angeles Modern Auction — Lot 364, #18, Karl Benjamin, 1983, Image courtesy Los Angeles Modern Auction

Lot 75, Double Standard, Ed Ruscha, 1969, Image Courtesy Los Angeles Modern Auctions

There’s another hot Art Auction coming up at Los Angeles Modern Auctions on October 12, 2014. I’ve been shopping at art auctions for over a decade because they’re an amazing way to add to a collection, plus they’re also a great opportunity to find items that are rarely on the market. Yes, some items are rather pricey, but others can be a relative steal, especially when compared to gallery pricing. An educated eye can easily spot the good stuff, even if it’s not expensive. The more you look at art, the more refined your eye becomes. Line, shape, color, texture, nuances in the thickness of the paint, it all adds up. And if all else fails, then trust your curator. And in this case, your curator would be Peter Loughrey.

Peter Loughrey is the Director of Modern Design & Fine Art at LA Modern Auctions. As a prominent figure in the L A art and design community, he’s been responsible for curating several gallery shows and is a member of the Decorative Arts and Design Council and Contemporary Friends. Therefore, when it comes to Los Angeles Modern Auctions, you can have faith in the quality of their lots. They’re very careful about vetting their pieces… I know because they’ve even refused a few of my own items, items that I thought were worthy. Fortunately they have strict guidelines to protect their collectors. The price point of this upcoming auction ranges from $1,000 – $100,000. I’m sharing a few of my favorite pieces here, simply because they appeal to my eye. I haven’t seen them in person, nor do I have a vested interest in their sale. I hope to attend the preview which runs till October 11, 2014, from 10am – 6pm, at 16145 Hart Street, Van Nuys, Ca. 91406.

Lot 224, Vapor Drawing by Larry Bell, Estimate: $4,000 – $6,000. I love this image because it reminds me of the corrugated metal fence at my home in Palm Springs. I’ve always wanted to do an oil painting to capture the reflective nature of the metal, however, this remarkable image has already done that.

Lot 154, Cat Person #1 by Fritz Scholder, Estimate: $6,000 – $9,000. At first glance this image looks like an abstract, but then the ears come into view. Plus who doesn’t love the sumptuous use of red with the chartreuse green accents.

Lot 258, Phenomena Byron’s Hunch by Paul Jenkins, Estimate: $3,000 – $5,000. Cool amorphous tones in violet and blue, with hints of magenta, a green flame glowing in the center with a contrasting Yellow rising sun. Pure joy.

Lot 407, Untitled by Edmond Kohn, Estimate: $800 – $1200. I just love this little midcentury gem. The line work of the bodies, the muted palette of green and orange tones with hints of salmon and apricot, it practically leaps from the canvas.

Lot 374, Balloon Dog (Blue) by Jeff Koons, Estimate $10,000 – $15,000. #1965 of 2300 MOCA Editions. I simply love any of Koons Cast Porcelain pieces with their lush reflective finishes, and if it comes in blue, even better.

Lot 524, Untitled (Boat) Raimonds Straprans, Estimate: $8,000 – $12,000. I love the use of black in this 1963 beauty, with accents of blue and orange. There’s such a graphic quality to the image that it reminds of Francoise Gilot.

Lot 362, #7 by Karl Benjamin, Estimate: $30,000 – $50,000. I’ve been a fan of Karl Benjamin since I discovered his work at ‘Birth of the Cool’ in Orange County about a decade ago. I’d love nothing more than to add one of his paintings to my collection, but they’re a bit out of my reach.

Lot 377, Platter by Takashi Murakami, Estimate $800 -$1200. Made on the occasion of the artist’s gala opening at MOCA in 2007, which was an amazing show and my first exposure to his work.

Lot 364, #18 by Karl Benjamin, Estimate: $12,000 – $15,000. I love how Benjamin has juxtaposed these bold geometric shapes in bold colors, married together with such a warm gray. I think I see the word LOVE being repeated…

Lot 75, Double Standard by Ed Ruscha, Estimate $50,000 – $70,000. It’s hard to imagine a screen print being valued at this price point, however, this is no ordinary screen print. It’s an 11-color screenprint on paper. I’ll presume that the white is the paper, plus there are 2 shades of blue for the sign. That leaves about 9 shades of orange, brown and black to create the gradation of tone in the sky.

Where Art Inspires Beauty