Welcome 2012 SXSW Music Festival Visitors

SXSW visitors will, not only, appreciate the music in Austin; but our visual artists as well.    The creativity, diversity, beauty and special nature of Austin fire flow artists (also known as fire dancers) is inspiring.  I've tried to include photos in this post that I haven't shared until this week.  You will find that, although, many performers are completely booked during the festival, some still have availability. 

I look forward to having a public showing of a series of our local fire artists.  Feel free to let me know which ones you like best. 

Okanagan Film Commission at Media Button

I have just a few minutes between study sessions and wanted to share a couple of photo illustrations from the Okanagan Film Commission's gathering at Media Button the other evening.

The first capture is Adam Scorgie, Executive producer of the award-winning documentary, "The Union".

It was wonderful to stand in the midst of this collection of creative talent. I look forward to the creative possibilities that await harvest in the Okanagan. Thanks to Jon Summerland and his talented group at the Commission and to Dave Araki and the creative powerhouse team at Media Button in Kelowna.

The second is Felix Poet (my version of reality).

A Minute of Mayhem for Malcolm

Your impact will be loved and hated for years to come. You were a punk rock revolutionary.

On the Humanade website, Mr. McLaren’s son, Joseph Corré, wrote:

“In celebration of Malcolm’s life we are asking people to observe a MINUTE OF MAYHEM at midday on 22nd April. Put on your favorite records and let it RIP!”

Here's a quick tribute from a "gin-sodden" Uke musician.

Reuters reported. Mr. McLaren died of mesothelioma on April 8. He was 64.

Thank you Malcolm.

Young Artist Creates Invisible Car

(Photo: PA)

Sara Watson, an Art Student at the University of Lancashire has created this amazing work.  It took three weeks to create her masterful illusion. 

Her work is reminiscent of one of my favorite contemporary artists, Julian Beever.

The Storm

This is another I shot at The East Austin Studio Tour.

East Austin Studio Tour This Weekend - Free!

This is an event I wholeheartedly support and will attend, but neglected to mention this year.  I highly recommend you put on your walking shoes and hit the east side. The East Austin Studio Tour is FREE.   

There are studios and artists of all sorts and many wonderful Austinite artists come out support the East Austin Studios as well as to be inspired.  

Saturday and Sunday

10am to 5pm 

Click here  to visit their site.

See you there!!!

Lanie McCormick & Ryan Paul - "NOW"

My friend, Lanie McCormick, will be having a show at the Austin Figurative Arts Gallery. She and Ryan Paul will be showing their work together.



There will be free beer and San Fransico's hot DJ, Michael Perry, provides the beats. You can see the info and vote for their show here.

SXSW - Art Outside

What an incredible SXSW (South by Southwest) week?!? My shoulders are killing me. I did over 20 hours of bullwhips, 12 hours of photography and the rest on other artistic modalities. Over the next few days, I'll try to share a few of my favorite pictures from the Enchanted Forest.

To get this shot of one of my favorite installations at Art Outside: I had to climb higher than I am comfortable with into a cedar tree while precariously balancing my camera. It was worth it to be able to share this artist's work with you. (I'm still tying to find out who created it) The work was done with beans, corn and lentils. It makes me think that a dragonfly whispered this into a shaman's ear.

This guy greeted people as they were entering Art Outside. Created by Starry-Johnny Fleisher. The size of this installation was impressive, as was attention to detail. But...It looked like robot torture to me.

This was one of the signs hovering above the creek near the back stage. Of course, I couldn't walk out without taking a shot of this sign.

Screamer Party Video

Here is a quick video of stills taken throughout the "One" party thrown by the Screamer Company. If you missed their party during SXSW, you missed a great one. Live music, fantastic food, libations, great people, great conversation, great fun. Hope to see you at the next one.

Art News

Teacher Loses Job After Kids See Nude Sculpture on Field Trip to Museum

FRISCO, Texas -- An award-winning Texas art teacher who was reprimanded after one of her fifth-grade students saw a nude sculpture during a trip to a museum has lost her job. Read More.

In that spirit, I include 2 nude sculptures: On the left, St. Peter at the Exeter Cathedral, UK., and the spirit of justice statue from the U.S. Department of Justice. Click on either picture to enlarge.