calebism » art

St Petersburg Florida Keeps Us Safe From Degenerate Art. Praise Jesus.

caleb — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 15:20:50 +0000

My first action as regards this story yesterday was to blast it out to my Upper Left Coast media buddies so that they could heap further well-deserved abuse on the rubes of Florida and add to the merriment of the rest of the nation, who scorn us with unwavering scorn. As is appropriate. More grist for that woodchipper and all. I take pride in being so close to the source and yet surviving, more or less, kind of like dancing on the teeth of an alligator. Or something.

And now, after 36 hours to reflect, I will observe that I am glad that the government of St Petersburg has progressed from slashing the tents of the homeless to the closing of the businesses of the shopkeepers. I predict that in a year or two’s time they will have worked their way up the economic ladder and will be making the lives of the underserving rich miserable. See if they don’t.

Is Tampa Bay “Ohio With Palm Trees”?

caleb — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 15:31:42 +0000

Whereas I, with my snotty “San Francisco values” and general unsubstantiated-by-accomplishment-of-any-kind snobbery, would regard being “Ohio With Palm Trees” as a negative, those at Creative Tampa Bay are apparently Zen with it. There is something to be said of making a virtue of necessity, and I am working hard on it.

Example: Skill? Talent? Those qualities are all very well for those who value that sort of thing, but I, on the other hand will become successful by means of electronic glad-handing and clever marketing. Yeah!

Robert Phelps/Thomas Phelps Opening At Interior Motives Gallery

caleb — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 19:49:10 +0000

New Works By Robert Phelps and Thomas Phelps

Robert Phelps Portfolio

Opening Show And Reception
Saturday, June 14, 2008
6:00 PM TO 9:00 PM

Interior Motives
1110 Central Avenue St. Petersburg, FL 33705
TEL 727. 898. 6061 FAX 727.898.9125

Robert and Thomas Phelps are two brothers who share a common vision. Raised in the wild mountains of Appalachia, they bring a deep-rooted sense of the natural to their paintings. Both are self taught artists with vastly distinctive styles. As in their personal lives, their artwork has a profoundly symbiotic, complementary feel when viewed together.

Robert focuses almost exclusively on the figure. His strong sense of line and keen observance of detail reveal the paradox of the body–the sometimes awkward juxtaposition of body and mind, the centers of power and weakness, and the delicate balance between the inner and outer worlds. Using figure as archetype, Robert primarily explores the world of natural man and the roles that define him in society. Often painting celebrities and famous figures, he carefully investigates the ancient roots of humanity that make up our collective pantheon of modern heroes.

Thomas paints with an abstract style that explores the paint as it’s own language. He creates refined yet entropic vistas that seek to participate with the will of the paint. Every canvass is painted in complete privacy with concentration devoted to the organic process. Thomas enters into the fluid world of abstraction with a daring surrender to the present.

Gladiator: the Art of Fighting, their new show on June 14-June 30 at Interior Motives Gallery in St. Petersburg, is a fierce visual foray into the world of battle. The metaphor of fighting has long represented our collective and individual struggles–wrestling with our angels and demons, grappling with tough decisions and more currently the subtle bludgeoning witnessed in the political arenas. The heroic triumphs and devastating defeats of the fighter resound through every aspect of our culture. Our movies, our songs and our headlines all celebrate the art of strategy and the tides of war.

Since training with local master Ali Tareh, Robert became obsessed with the world of the fighter. Long a fan of the UFC, he witnessed at close range the Herculean will and iron-forged skill of the professional fighter. Gaining a profound respect for the brotherhood of fighters, he dedicated long months to observing the ways of the warrior. Seeking to express the heart of the subject matter, quite a few of the paintings were created in an unconventional style using only the artist’s hands and fists. –from the Phelps Bros. Bio

Painting America Blue: Tampa Art Show & Fundraiser

caleb — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 17:10:33 +0000

Now the real work can begin.

The Art of Politics (#3)
Painting America Blue

Indoors, Air conditioned and
Plenty of Free Parking
Painting America Blue

Art Exhibition & Fundraiser

SUNDAY, June 8, 2008 3:00 – 8:00 PM
1105 Twiggs ST. Tampa, FL. 33602
Channelside, corner of Twiggs and Meridian

View Larger Map

Co-Chairs
U. S. Representative Kathy Castor
Tampa City Councilwoman Mary Mulhern
Event Chairs: Juan & Yvonne Yolie Capin

*MISSION: The ART of Politics a political organization, funds raised will provide grassroots support for the 2008 Democratic Presidential Nominee & support Local Democratic candidates.

Contribution: $50 per person, $75 per couple (Students $15)
Tapas, Desserts,Full Bar & Live Music Entertainment
RSVP: JYCAPIN@AOL.COM or call 813.767.9188
Credit Cards Accepted

Art of Politics Sponsors:
Blue Angel: Hakim Aquil, Elizabeth Cabot Lyman
Indigo Painter: Ahmed Bedier, Jessica L. Capin & Mark A. Dion Jr.
InBloom Catering, Karen Varas Gonzalez
Blue Dog: David Hall, Busto Plumbing Co., Peggy Land, Charles Lyman, Don and Jan Pellegrino
Painting, sculpture, drawing, photography, mixed media, print, jewelry, designer clothes

HOST COMMITTEE: The Honorable Betty Reed, David Audet, Hakim Aquil, Cathy Bartolotti, Norma Bean, Phyllis Busansky, Jason Busto, Jessica Lynn Capin & Mark Dion, , Joanne Milani Cheatham, Dolores Coe & Bruce Marsh, Charlie D’Amico, Cam Dilley, Adrienne Golub, Karemn Varas Gonzalez, David Hall, Margaret & Dan Hamrick, Laura Hensley, Carolyn Kossar, Peggy Land, Norma Gene Lykes, Lissa & Charles Lyman, Andy Maass, Tim & Donna Main, Mary Jo Melone, Don & Jan Pellegrino, Mort and Sara Richter, John Reimer, Ken Rollins, Sara Romeo, Mel & Maria Seraceno, Sara Golding Scher, Judy Tampa, Catherine L. Thompson Vivian Warren, Martha Williams

Painting At Interior Motives Gallery, St Pete

caleb — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 15:06:17 +0000

This is a big 4×4 foot canvas I’m doing in the style that I used a few years ago. I sort of forgot about this kind of big-brush direct painting, but it is kind of fun and really conveys a mood. And by mood, I mean, Really Hot. Which it is, and it will remain mostly continued Really Hot until sometime in December. I take comfort in the idea that rising sea levels will quench us soon, and alligators will paddle placidly through strip malls and family rooms… I’m hallucinating again. Sorry. It’s really hot.

I’m usually down at Interior Motives Gallery painting and whining late in the weekday afternoons.