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Interview: Miron Topciu Thu, Aug 28. 2008
One more time, we talk with the artists of meseon community. Today, we know more about Miron Topciu (personal website) and his artwork. Enjoy it!!
Miron Topciu: "Some people love music, and can’t live without it.
For me is much more… a way of finding myself and sending messages to others,
something more important than life and death and something more beautiful than us".
Q: Hi Miron, first of all we would like know more about you. Tell us, who is Miron Topciu, tell us something about your life and your childhood in your country.
A: Miron is a person who expresses himself by colors, shapes and contrast. I was born in Albania in 28 august, 1992. I was raised by my grandparents till 1997 when I moved in Bucharest with my parents. In Albania I have a big great family and I had a beautiful child hood. Then I had the first contact with arts. My father started to show me different exhibitions and catalogs with painters and sculptors. In all this time I was influenced by my father, mother and their friends about my talent. My father is an art collector and an art critique and most of his friends are painters, art lovers so, I was always on this lifestyle. At 6 years old I won the first place in a contest that was called “The young Romanian painters”. I remember that I was happy and I was more positive on my future in Arts. I opened my first exhibition with one of the biggest Albanian painters alive, one month ago in my birth town. The exhibition had a very beautiful signification and many important people around the globe that came for seeing my work. I’m preparing for exhibitions in Bucharest, Rome, Wien and US.
Q: What is art for you?
A: This is a good question, but I don’t think that are any words to say what art is for me. Some people love music, and can’t live without it. For me is much more… a way of finding myself and sending messages to others, something more important than life and death and something more beautiful than us.
Q: How did you get started in the art world? Have you always been interested in arts?
A: My first try in arts was at 4 years old in Albania. I don’t remember anything but my parents told me that I use to paint only ships and fishes, with people and pirates. At 6 I painted a man who was very similar to Jesus Christ. People where amassed. That work was very special and after a time I didn’t find anymore. I think it disappeared.
Q: The majority of your artworks are paintings; do you practice other techniques as sculpture or photography? Why?
A: I am exploring all the time. I prefer painting because I can do it much better then sculpture. I have try to make sculptures but I can`t express anything. I keep all the time with me in the world a camera and I take a lot of pictures with people, animal’s nature and landscapes. I have taken some great shots and I have won in some contests in Europe and US. Photography remains a hobby for me… It`s beautiful
Q: Your artworks show strength and beauty, what concept are you showing to your viewers? What would you like say with your artworks?
A: I’m trying to give a message in every painting. My works are inspired from people and by their characters. I`m not trying to make beautiful works but works that we will change something. And if people are beautiful my paintings will be to.
Q: Your paintings remind us the great masters of the expressionism, are you aware of these influences?
A: I’m not influenced by them but I like them very much. I want all the time to make something new and original, strong and in the same time beautiful. My parents say that is my age that is changing day by day and so my paintings. All my works done in this summer in my house in Albania got a very different style form the works in Bucharest. I finally think that I found my style. I will keep on in this rhythm.
Q: What are the most important artist that are influence in your life and your works?
A: I have met a lot of artists. Everyone let his prints on my character. I can give more than 100 names but some of them are unknown and very hard to be found. The known artists that I like are: M.Chagal, G. Kilmt, Van Gogh, Herman Nitsch, G. Zeka and some Romanian painters.
Q: Why do you choose the painting as a means of expression?
A: The colors make the 89 % of the painting. The drawing got a very important role because give the right meaning. And when all the parts are together, they dance together.
Q: Do you carry out investigations before starting to develop a work?
A: I don`t do nothing… I just sit down, I put some music and all comes by itself. I can stay 5 hours without stopping or just 15 minutes. The inspiration means a lot for me. Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night or early in the morning. If I got inspiration I got everything.
Q: Could you talk about the procedures that you use in your artworks? Preparation, development and finishing.
A: Everything that I can say is that I use normal paper but expensive colors. I usually work with acrylic. The colors have to be perfect. I don’t have any secrets or different methods.
Q: What do you feel when you're finished an artwork?
A: I never finish an artwork, I stop when I think that is OK and I let it for period of time in my room. When I finish thinking I finish the work and I put it in the same place and I look it again. I feel more and more happy. 
Q: Do you have some challenge or goal which you are pursuing? Do you have any other goals or challenge?
A: I have a lot of plans and projects. I think now everything is going in a good road. A challenge for me would be an exhibition in every country of the globe. I want to finish the high school and go to college in Florida. It`s hard to talk about the future. I can`t imagine myself in the next 2 years. I’m always in a change.
Q: Have you had bad artistic moments in which you decided to leave the art world?
A: I always got bad artistic moments, when I’m in hurry or when I’m tired from school. I never thanked for leaving the art world, deeply I think this is impossible, nobody will let me to quit.
Q: Could you tell us something about you are currently working?
A: I have done 30 paintings and I’m planning my next exhibition in Bucharest. I made something unusual and I’m very proud of it, a painting that cost me a lot of money and time. I didn’t put it any title, and from the first day of the exposing people offered me a lot of money for buying it. I won’t sell it in the next 2 months.
Q: Have you got some anecdote that you wish share with meseon community?
A: It`s a New York story,
There was a big fire on a block in Brooklyn. The fire department was there to. The fire man opened a big jumper for the victims alive. The first victims where kids….
The fire man started counting… 1, 2, 5, 45, 53…
They asked the neighbors if that block was a school or something because all the kids where in the same pajama.
They said no… Its Johnson family…
The fire men kept counting… 149, 342, 564 ….
They asked again if it’s a school
And someone said that is Johnson family, they got 5 kids but they climb up and jump again and again….
Thank you and hope to see you soon…
Huge statue of Roman ruler found Tue, Aug 26. 2008
Parts of a giant, exquisitely carved marble sculpture depicting the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius have been found at an archaeological site in Turkey.
Fragments of the statue were unearthed at the ancient city of Sagalassos.So far the statue's head, right arm and lower legs have been discovered, high in the mountains of southern Turkey. Marcus Aurelius was portrayed by Richard Harris in the Oscar-winning 2000 film Gladiator and was one of the so-called "Five Good Emperors".
He reigned from 161AD until his death in 180AD. In addition to his deeds as emperor, Marcus Aurelius is remembered for his writings, and is considered one of the foremost Stoic philosophers. The partial statue was unearthed in the largest room at Sagalassos's Roman baths.
The cross-shaped room measures 1,250 sq m (13,500 sq ft), is covered in mosaics and was probably used as a frigidarium - a room with a cold pool which Romans could sink into after a hot bath.
It was partially destroyed in an earthquake between 540AD and 620AD, filling the room with rubble. Archaeologists have been excavating the frigidarium for the past 12 years. The dig is part of wider excavations at the ruined city, which was once an important regional centre.
Imperial gallery
Last year, the team led by Prof Marc Waelkens, from the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium, uncovered fragments of a colossal marble statue of the emperor Hadrian in the rubble. This month, the researchers found a huge head and arm belonging to Faustina the Elder - wife of the emperor Antoninus Pius.
Archaeologists now think the room hosted a gallery of sculptures depicting the "Antonine dynasty" - rulers of Spanish origin who presided over the Roman Empire during the second century AD. Early on 20 August, a huge pair of marble lower legs, broken just above the knee, turned up in the debris.
They also found a 1.5m-long (5ft-long) right arm and hand holding a globe which was probably once crowned by a gilded bronze "Victory" figure. But it was the giant marble head which identified this statue as the young Marcus Aurelius. The colossal head, which is just under 1m (3ft) in height, is said to bear his characteristic bulging eyes and beard.
Prof Waelkens said the pupils were gazing upwards "as if in deep contemplation, perfectly fitting of an emperor who was more of a philosopher than a soldier". He added that this was one of the finest depictions of the Roman ruler. The emperor wore exquisitely carved army boots decorated with a lion skin, tendrils and Amazon shields. The torso was probably covered in bronze armour filled inside with terracotta or wood. When the niche's vault collapsed in the earthquake, the torso would have exploded.
Bath complex
The statue of Hadrian was found lying halfway down in the frigidarium's rubble. This initially led archaeologists to think it had been hauled in there from another part of the huge bath complex, perhaps to remove its gilded bronze armour, or to burn the huge marble pieces to make cement in a nearby lime kiln.
However, they now think sculptures of Hadrian, his wife Vibia Sabina, another Roman emperor Antoninus Pius, his wife Faustina the Elder, and Marcus Aurelius all once adorned niches situated around the room. There were three large niches on both the western and eastern sides. The fragments of Hadrian's statue were found near the south-west niche.
The front parts of two female feet were discovered in the opposite niche, on the room's south-eastern side. The archaeologists now think these belonged to a colossal figure of Vibia Sabina, who was forced into marriage with the homosexual Hadrian at the age of 14. Remains of the statue depicting Faustina the Elder were found further along, on the eastern side.
In the opposite niche, they found the front parts of a pair of male feet in sandals, which could belong to her husband, Antoninus Pius - who succeeded Hadrian as emperor. The experts suggest Antonine emperors occupied niches on the western side of the room, while their spouses stood opposite, on the east side.
From BBC News
“Running Fence” with Christo and Jeanne-Claude, 6 Sept. Mon, Aug 25. 2008
The Smithsonian American Art Museum presents a screening of “Running Fence” (1978), the celebrated documentary depicting the five-year struggle by artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude to build the now legendary “Running Fence, Sonoma and Marin Counties, California, 1972-76,” a 24 1/2-mile fence of white fabric and steel poles that ran through the hills of California’s Sonoma and Marin Counties and into the Pacific Ocean.
The “Running Fence” existed for only two weeks; it survives today as a memory and through the artwork and documentation by the artists. The film, directed by critically acclaimed filmmakers David Maysles, Charlotte Zwerin and Albert Maysles celebrates the artists’ vision and accomplishment in the face of bureaucratic hurdles.
Free tickets are required and will be distributed from the museum’s information desk in the G Street lobby beginning at 2 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis. There will be a limit of two tickets per person. Details and a complete program description are available online at americanart.si.edu.
This program is part of the museum’s ongoing commitment to contemporary art, which includes bringing leading artists to Washington to discuss the creative experience.
From Smithsonian American Art Museum
Interview: Rebecca Venn Fri, Aug 15. 2008
One more time, we talk with the artists of meseon community. Today, we know more about Rebecca Venn (personal website) and her artwork. Enjoy it!!
Q: Hi Rebecca, first of all we would like know more about you. Tell us who is Rebecca Venn, tell us something about your life and your childhood.
A: I was born in Owensboro, Kentucky, USA, a médium size town on the Ohio River. Neither of my parents were in the Arts. My father was an electircian and my mother was a housewife who worked part time jobs occasionally. I am an only child and drawing was a major source of my entertainment as a child.
Q: What is art for you?
A: Art is the reason I breathe. It gives me much pleasure and I find I lose a sense of time when I am painting or drawing. It makes time stand still, it keeps me sane in the challenges of life.
Q: How did you get started in the art world? Have you always been interested in arts?
A: I have always been interested in art. I took every art class that was offered at my small college. I have continued to paint and draw and I teach occasionally. I have searched out galleries and art competitions in order to exhibit. I have won awards and am represented in galleries in Wisconsin and California.
Q: The mayority of your artworks are draws, excelents nudes, Do you practice other techniques like painting, sculpture or photography? Why?
A: I originally began drawing flowers in colored pencil which I still love to do. I do landscapes in watercolor, especially when we travel. I have always maintained my interest throughout my career in the beauty of the human form. I find it challenging and and I try to celebrate the beauty of being human. I also enjoy painting in oils and have some portraits and figures in this médium. I plan to do more painting in the upcoming year.
Q: Your artworks shows a great serenity and sensitivity, What concept are you showing to your viewers? What would you like say with your works?
A: It depends on the story I want to tell. Each model brings a different story that is shown in their muscles, bones and the light on their skin. I want to celebrate the diverse beauty of the human form; the struggles, resilience, and strength, of being human.
Q: The use of line in some of your drawings remind us the great masters of the Renaissance, are you aware of these influences?
Q: Why do you choose the drawing as a means of expression?
A: There is such variety of media in drawing. There is something about the touch of the pencil on paper. Sometimes strong gritty marks are needed, sometimes a more delicate expressión is called for…but the feel of pencil to paper is simple, immediate and honest and it is possible to make it almost painterly using graphite stick and erasures. The simplicity that can express complication fascintates me. I feel like I am carving the figure out of a two dimensional surface.
Q: The models used in your drawings are important? Do you look for different types of people depending on the work to play?
A: The models are very important. I have several models that I work with. I feel a great honor that they inspire me with their own creativity. I look for models that express whatever story I am trying to tell. They do not need to be perfectly proportioned because my stories tell a variety of experiences.
Q: Do you carry out investigations before starting to develop a work?
A: Yes. When an idea enters my consciousness I try several sketches to describe the composition or colors I want to use. Some artworks originate in my sketchbook. Some are from a figure I might see across a room. I sometimes research the idea through books if it is a historical or mythological idea.
Q: Could you talk about the procedures that you use in your artworks? Preparation, development and finishing.
A: The procedures vary. Sometimes an artwork is completed in a few sittings. Some have taken weeks and months. An artwork can get to a particular stage and then sit on an easel for weeks until I see what needs to be done next. I might work for hours in my Studio and somedays I work only a few minutes. If the piece isn’t working I will leave it alone and just stare at it for a while. I sometimes take the painting or drawing out of the Studio and put in somewhere in my house to surprise myself and then see it a new.
Q: What are the most important artist that are influence in your life and your works?
A: Michelangelo’s powerful figures, Van Gogh’s passion, Edward Hopper’s mysterious stories, and John Singer Sargent’s exquisite Light. All of these artists inspire me as I strive to find my own place.
Q: What do you feel when you're finished a artwork?
A: Exhaltation and sadness. I am usually working on more than one artwork at a time so I am always moving on to the next one. But it is hard to actually be finished because I love doing them. The time spent on each one is a piece of myself.
Q: Do you have some challenge or goal which you are pursuing? Do you have any other goals or challenge?
A: My biggest challenge is to find time to do the ideas in my head and finding a larger venue to show my work.
Q: Have you had bad artistic moments in which you decided to leave the art world?
A: I cannot imagine ever stopping what I do. I love it. I might not be involved with organizations but I will always paint and draw.
Q: Some quick questions:
Tell us an artist: Van Gogh the master of plein aire.
Tell us a city: Venice. In a góndola painting like John Singer Sargent!
Tell us a dream: To spend a month in Spain or Italy and meet other artists. To paint and draw there. To see my work exhibited in a beautiful gallery in a large city.
Q: For all your work, which is your favorite artwork or you love most?
A: Whatever work I am drawing or painting at the present. But I will always be fond of one I titled “Javelin I”-right- because of the discovery of the figure in the paper, the model I worked with and the collector who bought it.
Q: Could you tell us something about you are currently working?
A: At present I am working on two pieces. One is a Prismacolor drawing called “Persephone Returns” and the other is a painting titled “Swoon”. Both are female nudes but different models who come to my studio occasionally.
Q: Have you got some anecdote that you wish share with meseon community?
A: Listen to yourself; other voices merely distract you on your journey.
Thanks a lot for your time Rebecca. Has been a pleasure know more about you.
Art Installation of 1000 "Art" Signs Thu, Aug 14. 2008
Chicago, IL (PRWEB) August 13, 2008 -- The Art Sign Project is an art installation, organized by artist Gene Pellegrene of 1000 signs stating the word "ART". Sign specifications consist of 8"x10" clear acrylic plastic mounted on 24" posts. The installation will be on display along Logan Blvd, Chicago on September 20, 2008. Signs are being produced from individuals and groups from all over the world. Deadline for signs is September 15, 2008. Signs are to be mailed to Gene Pellegrene, 2534 N. Richmond Ave. #1, Chicago, IL 60647.
A sign reading "ART" is to invoke greater art awareness. The word "art" is interpretive and creates dialog within an individual about the importance or meaning of art. The installation is a statement by the artist, of a desire to view more art in unexpected places. Artists, students, educators and the general public are encouraged to produce signs or sponsor signs to assist in funding the project. Organizations or individuals can sponsor the creation of a sign for $30.00 to assist in funding the project. The signs of the installation will be distributed free to the public to continue art awareness throughout the community at the end of the event.
Individuals producing signs are encouraged to express originality in the production of each sign. Various colors, styles, images and languages are being used to express the word "Art". A sign itself is a statement of literal meaning. This project uses the interpretive word "Art" to stimulate the creator of the sign as well as create a dialog with art in the community. Combining literal signage with one of the most interpretive words, "art", is an effective vehicle for art awareness.
This project is a rare occasion for art appreciation for all involved. The installing artist is expressing a strong desire to raise art awareness and expression. The community benefits from the dialog created via the project and other artists benefit from that dialog and encouragement. Throughout the entire process of the project, the installation is being documented publicly on the web site to bridge the gap between artist and community. This documentation is also a useful tool for other artists organizing public installations.
The site for the Installation taking place September 20, 2008 can support as many as 10,000 "Art" signs. Sign submissions are encouraged from all over the world to express different viewpoints, colors, images and languages pertaining to art.
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