New Orleans is Sinking, 24" x 36" framed original acrylic by Tammy Vitale, $600.00
This painting was made in the year 2000, and the title taken from a Tragically Hip Song about New Orleans – well before anyone every thought of Katrina or the kind of wrath Mother Nature can bestow. It’s one of my favorite paintings. When we went to New Orleans that year and toured the cemetery, the guide noted that the graves were sinking, as was New Orleans. It has, unfortunately, become a grim forecast. Hopefully the painting’s spirit catches some of the magic and mystery and darkness and untamed beauty and energy that was and is New Orleans.
This picture, along with the ones following, is hanging right now in the Lexington Park Library (St. Mary’s County, MD). This show is special for me because almost 10 years back I had a hand, working alongside local citizens, in the placement and building of this library which is light and airy and beautiful. It has a magnificent space for children, chairs and a cozy corner for teens and lots and lots of stuff for everyone else. It feels right to do this solo show there – like coming home.
I decided to show mostly paintings because they rarely get out from dark closets or the corner of the garage where I’ve stored them over the years. I myself have never seen so many displayed in one space (and isn’t it a wonderful space?!) and so it’s a special treat for me too. The big pictures are all 24" x 36". I included the 2 chairs I still have (I have 2 more little ones I can make and then I’m out of chairs), the new photos, and will take along jewelry and cards and bin pieces for the reception, March 27, 5 – 8 pm. It will be very representational of everything except my poetry – and I’d take along poetry books except I’m all out!
For all of you who can’t join us in person, I invite you to peruse here, and have a piece of chocolate and glass of cyber wine on me! The abstract is out in the front hall of the library, and this photo is from my file as I forgot to take a picture of it hanging. You can get snippets of the actual names by rolling your cursor over the photo – that way you can ask questions about a particular 2D piece should you be so inclined.
thought for the day: Except for a handful of places, I’ve come to believe that there is no such thing as an art town brimming with enlightened art buyers. Not living in an art town is simply another excuse for inaction…Setting aside the argument that some communities are not "art towns," you live where you live – and apparently you would prefer not to relocate. So let’s look at the advantages you have. You have a far better shot as becoming known in your current community where you have connections. Even a small number of connections are better than none. Do not write off your community. Until you extend yourself, you do not know what possibilities your community offers. And you may find that when you make a reputation locally, it will be easier to move into other markets. Alyson B. Stanfield, I’d rather be in the studio: The Artist’s No-Excuse Guide to Self-Promotion.
11 Comments
Oh, how cool – the painting, the solo exhibit – AND in a space that holds special meaning for you.
I love seeing so many of your paintings together like this – the show looks fabulous. What a great way to start out a new decade of you~XOXO
Lovely works of art. Congrats!
Tammy,your art is so exotic and vibrant and the New Orleans painting so poignant post Katrina. I would LOVE to accept your invitation, but unfortunately I will only be there in spirit and maybe have a sip of that cyber wine! It sounds like the perfect place to show and I wish you well.
I LOVE your New Orleans painting, and the one of the woman with the moon… those are AMAZING!!!
You did all those paintings?? What can't you do? You ARE amazing! After reading your thought for the day, I went right over & ordered the book. There-I'm on my way to no more excuses!
for Alyson: I'm sorry about the non-art town thing — and probably agree that there isn't really a quintessential 'art town' — but Asheville, NC and others are quite high up on the food chain. Northwest Georgia (including the executive director of art for the State of Georgia) was so bad that I moved. Not a good or possible solution for everyone!! As for addressing the problem — its very difficult, especially when you work in a mixed media area that is not the standard 'paintings and pottery'. One thing that I would counsel is not to think its going to happen quickly. You have to work locally but also globally — using publications in your field try to get your name out to a wider market but also show as much as you can in your own neighborhood. For my work — I think education is the biggest boost to my work. Many people have no idea what artist books are. Once they see them, they love them but getting word out is difficult. Recently I've had two people who belong to guilds come to me and ask me to speak about my art — that's a great merchandizing tool because not only am I passing the word about what I do but perhaps making future customers. Another experience I have had is working with the local Arts Council and if there isn't one — contact the powers that be and see if you can start one. There is an economic advantage to local economies by promoting art and while its a time-taker (if you just want to be in your studio creating) it will pay off in the long run. Sorry to be so verbal!! Thanks for your comments.
for Penny: Yes, I know there are such things as "non-art towns." My quote was just about the fact that there isn't really a quintessential "art town." I didn't address non-art towns. However, I think you're correct that this could be expanded upon. I'm originally from Oklahoma and I know non-art towns. Perhaps it's a new topic to explore. You don't say how you address the problem. How do you overcome living in a non-art town?
i really like that painting. it is my first time seeing it. I am sure that it will catch someone's eye… if only for a moment; because there is so much more to see!
Very nice, I'm glad you are showing your paintings, some i haven't seen! See you at the opening!
One more comment. I beg go differ with Alyson re: living in an 'art town'. Obviously she has never lived in a rural southern town!! I could tell you some stories that would curl your hair. Just a thought that besides the obvious lack of marketing opportunities in a non-art town there is also the problem of finding supplies locally –yes you can order anything you want but anyone who works with fabrics/beads/ribbons/fibers wants to 'touch' what they buy!!!
WOW!! What a beautiful tribute to your creativity – and how wonderful that you are able to show it all in one place (except for jewelry?). Congratulations!!