Fluctuating Value of Art and Artist

February 14, 2009
Los Angeles, CA

Last week I attend a lecture by Milton Estrow, Editor in Chief of ArtNews Magazine at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. The title of the lecture was "How to Look at Art without Feeling Inferior." I was not particularly interested in the topic of the lecture, I was interested in seeing Mr Estrow speak in person.

Last year as I was sending out press packets in promotion for my exhibit for "Wok the Dog," I had received a hand written reply from Mr Estrow himself, that he received the press kit and would pass it along to the appropriate editor at the magazine. I was blown away! WOW! Mr Milton Estrow was impressed enough with my press kit that he personally wrote me a note in return. The note speaks volumes of him as a person.

The hour he spoke was filled with anecdotes and quotes from various artists and critics. The one thing that struck a note with me from the evening is the ever shifting "value" of the artist and the art. In essence, both artistic and monetary value of artist and the art we create will always be in flux. One minute we are eating cat food out of the tin can and the next we are fetching millions at auctions. Art is always subjective and tastes is ever shifting. Mr Estrow urged us to ignore the critics in some ways and ultimately judge for ourselves the value and greatness of the art and the artist. Does it speak to you? Does it make you feel? If so, then F*ck what the critics may have to say.

Its a nice reminder of REALITY. Its always encouraging the be reminded that you will not always be on top forever, nor will you always be in the slush pile forever either. This too shall pass. If you can stay passionate to your vision, then your day as the art world darling will come. But remember, that too shall pass.

At another event last night, June Newton made this remark about her late husband, Helmut, (who is one of my FAVORITE photographers), "I didn't used to think he was a genius, but now that he is gone, I do think he is a little bit of a genius." Even your stock price fluctuates with your own wife and muse, how could we expect anything less from everyone else?

Tonight Tonight We Will Stencile the Street

February 5, 2009
Los Angeles, CA

I saw this music video this evening and quiet enjoy it. I thought I share it with you:




After I saw the Peter Fox video, I wondered if it is the equivalent of this decades Smashing Pumpkins' "Tonight Tonight" video circa 1995. Do you think street art is the "it child" of this decade?

Fair Use or Not

February 5, 2009
Los Angeles, CA

I had promised myself that I was going to quiet blogging about my obsession with Shepard Fairey, at least for a little while. But as I sorted through the blog-sphere this evening for news and etc, I discovered that the buzz today has been that AP (associated press) is going after Fairey for copy right infringement for the source image he used for his iconic poster of Obama.

Now, there is plenty of out there about this already so I will keep this short and brief. First of all, we had a chat about copyright and intellectual property in a previous post and in many ways I would say that I am advocate of copyright protection. But, common AP, are you serious! If there is ever a time in which one person's art / IP is used, modified to create something new (and may I say BETTER) this would certainly be it. Not only that, but this piece of "new" art is partially responsible for changing the world.

Really!? Really?!?! One more time in case you have not fully understood my amazement or how I feel about this, REALLY!!!???

Also, why now? Is it because Fairey is all over the media and with exhibits opening all around? Why didn't AP bring about this during the election? I also wonder, what would President Obama say? There is a buzz in the art world about the possibility of a culture czar or increased funding for the National Endowment for the Arts, how the administration is going to raise the level of art and culture in this country, and etc and etc. Do you think this will be a litmus test for dear newly elected President?

Lots to think about.